175. Despite the problems that confronted the ciamond industry during 1981, prospecting activity increased durin€ the year. In Botswana De Beers continues its evaluation of the main kimberlite body at Jwaneng, as well as bulk testing. It has also concucted limited samplinf of other small kimberlites in Jwaneng anc Orapa provinces, and continues to search for further kimberlites in other parts of the coun~ry. 176. In Namibia De Beers prospecting over large areas again proved to be generally cisappointing although in the south of its 83 E/ECA /CM. 9/5 Diamond A rea No. 1 intensified prospecting continues to give en­ couraging results. 3. Outlook 177. 1981 will be remembered as a year of low consumption and revenues for all metals and minerals. Mining companies, reports almost universally presented pictures of reduced revenues, in­ creased inventories and debt. To them, short-term corporate sur­ vival is a greater concern than long-term raw materials supplies. 178. Perhaps the most promising development in 1981 was the ap­ parent reversal of inflationary trend in most of the industrial­ ized countries; inflation remains high, but the continued ac­ celeration has been halted, anc in important areas it is gradual­ ly being reouced. Also important frcm the standpoint of the in­ dustrial economies, and inflation itself, is the falling real price of energy. Oil is now in a eurplus and is likely to remain so for several years, giving the prospect of a comparatively stable price in the $34 range in 1982 dollar terms. This could give a number of major incustrial sectors a sufficient bocst to improve metal demand. 179. ·From the standpoint of the mineral pro~ucers, the most wor­ rying element is the alarming gulf that has developed between ~he price level reguirec to sustain existing operations and that 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the diamond industry, mining companies, and the impact of inflation and energy prices on the industry. It also mentions prospecting activities and the evaluation of kimberlite bodies. The text does not mention agriculture, forestry, fishing, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Industry