HB Antwerp Debuts “The Navigator” at Global Expo in Gaborone

Proprietary software revolutionizes the diamond polishing process by offering unparalleled accuracy and control

HB, a technology-driven Mineral Infrastructure company, is proud to unveil its latest breakthrough innovation, “The Navigator.” This state-of-the-art technology, developed by HB’s in-house research and development entity, HB Blueprint, represents a significant leap forward in diamond polishing.

The Navigator was first presented at the Global Expo in Gaborone to H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana, as a groundbreaking software solution designed to digitalize the polishing process, offering polishers unparalleled control and accuracy in their craft. With its advanced 3D capabilities, The Navigator replaces the conventional 2D plans for polishing, ushering in a transformative change for the industry.

On top of the increased control and accuracy, The Navigator will enable HB to speed up the training process of recruits, which is of great significance to the company’s growth trajectory.

Key Features of The Navigator:

• Precision in 3D: The Navigator effortlessly empowers polishers to install specific settings based on digital 3D plans. This innovative approach ensures the polishing tang settings align with the desired design, resulting in flawless gemstones.
• Integrated Hardware: The Navigator integrates with The Morgana, another HB Blueprint development. This integration allows for capturing valuable data regarding facet orientation, enhancing the overall polishing process.
• Enhanced Efficiency and Workflow: Polishers can work with newfound efficiency and precision. The Navigator introduces a clear workflow, promoting a uniform approach to polishing. This standardization simplifies the training process, ensuring that everyone learns to polish in the same meticulous manner.
• Ideal for Fancy Stones: The Navigator is a game-changing development, particularly in fancy stones. Polishing tang settings for these intricate gemstones can be incredibly challenging, and The Navigator streamlines this process, making it more accessible and efficient.

“The Navigator is not just a technological advancement; it’s a game-changer for the Mineral Industry,” said Tom Munters, HB R&D Director. “We believe this development will redefine how diamonds are polished, setting new standards for precision and uniformity. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our mission to empower artisans in their craft.”
“The Navigator is poised to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of HB’s Botswana entity, which is the centerpiece of our expansion strategy,” said Omogolo Bonjo Mathumo, Director of Communications for HB Botswana. “We’ll not only be able to more quickly train and onboard new hires, adding to our headcount here, but this proprietary technology also allows for increased efficiency and control in the polishing process. This sets the stage for Botswana to become a force not only in the mining of diamonds, but also in the meticulous art of crafting them.”

HB won’t sell this new development externally and will instead use it to train a new generation of Batswana polishers more quickly — enabling HB to process a larger number of stones, create additional jobs in the country and stimulate the national economy. This development will undergo continuous improvement in the coming years to foster a harmonious synergy between craftsmanship and digitalization, ultimately boosting efficiency within the diamond ecosystem.
About HB

Founded in 2020, HB is pioneering a mineral infrastructure that redefines the way minerals are sourced, transformed, and distributed. HB’s closed-loop ecosystem introduces a comprehensive digital trail across the complete value chain, from raw minerals to finished results, ensuring verifiable and immutable data.
About HB Blueprint

Central to HB’s innovation is the in-house research and development entity, HB Blueprint, which continuously explores new technological advancements. These cutting-edge technologies are predominantly used exclusively in-house, empowering an advanced ecosystem for tracking, analyzing, sawing, cutting, laser engraving, and polishing diamonds.