World's leading diamond producer De Beers’ three owners have agreed to inject one billion dollars into the company via a rights issue to reduce debt.

Sources informed that mining group Anglo American, the Oppenheimer family and the government of Botswana would pump $450 million, $400 million and $150 million respectively into the company.

De Beers said it expected banks to renew its $1.5 billion debt facility, which is due in March 2010. Company is burdened with a net debt of $4 billion.

Up to $1 billion of the $1.5 billion could be raised via fresh equity.

But, the shareholders will make no decision about pumping the money until the lenders have laid out their terms.

Anglo American owns 45 per cent of De Beers, while the Oppenheimer family and the government of Botswana possesses 40 per cent and 15 per cent stake in the company.