07 Sep 2014

The Ghaghoo Diamond Mine is another milestone in the quest to transform the country into a mining power house and a world diamond centre.

 Officially opening the mine on September 5, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said the mine would advance the country’s dream of becoming a destination of choice for access to rough and polished diamonds as well as diamond products. 

The mine is located in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), and is owned by a United Kingdom company called Gem Diamonds.

President Khama noted that the opening of the mine would increase the supply of rough diamonds available for trading in Botswana over and above those from Debswana and De Beers operations around the world.

The mine was acquired from Gope Exploration Company in 2007. It is a joint venture between De Beers and Falconbridge.  The mine is the first underground diamond mine in Botswana and lies beneath 80 metres of sand. “This challenge required innovative mining solutions,” said President Khama. 

President Khama commended Gem Diamonds for living up to the challenge and coming up with an innovative solution using an unconventional mining method. He also commended the company for protecting the environment. 

President Khama noted that a management plan was approved by the government to guide the operations of the mine in order to conserve the environment.

He also noted that the mine had a minimal impact on the environment because it was an underground operation. President Khama said the country aspired to see more diamond activities that added value to the economy.

He said he was hopeful that other kimberlite deposits would be found in the western part of the country. 

President Khama also noted that the mine would offer employment opportunities as well as benefit the local economy through procurement of goods and services and social responsibility initiatives. Ends