href=”file:///C:\Users\VENTURES%20AFRICA\Desktop\debeersgroup.com”>De Beers Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer has been awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Israeli Diamond Institute (IDI).

At a dinner hosted in Tel Aviv, the 66 year old mining veteran was lauded for his “enormous contribution to the world diamond industry and to the Israeli industry in particular”.

The event was held in the presence of past and current leaders of the Israeli industry including IDI chairman Moti Ganz and Israel Diamond Exchange president Yair Sahar.

The award was presented to Oppenheimer by IDI’s managing director, Eli Avidar.

Presenting the award the Avidar quipped: “This unique award is of the utmost significance to our industry. It represents our supreme appreciation of one who has dedicated his or her life’s work to advancing the industry that we hold so dear.”

The MD explained that the award was in recognition of Oppenheimer’s “vision, courage and inspiration, continuing a family heritage of honesty, integrity and adherence to the highest standards”.

Oppenheimer, precise in his speech, said received the award as an honour for everyone who has been part of De Beers.

“I see this award as an honour not me but for the Oppenheimer family, past, present and future. From the time my grandfather moved to South Africa, the Oppenheimer family has had diamonds in its blood.

“You’ve done me, Jonathan and my ancestors an unbelievable honour,” he added emtionally.

Other attendees at the ceremony were Oppenheimer’s son Jonathan Oppenheimer, De Beers chief executive Philippe Mellier and the DTC’s chief executive Varda Shine.