22 Jul 2019

 March 01, 1967 is the day that Botswana entered the world diamond scene, as the  first diamondiferous Kimberlite known as B/K1 pipe, was discovered 15 kilometres north of Letlhakane.

 Diamond prospecting was an enormous challenge due to the remoteness of the country, in fact it took one and a half decades after the first few rough diamonds were discovered in 1955 to open Botswana’s first diamond mine at Orapa in 1971. 

Three other operations followed namely Letlhakane in 1975, Jwaneng in 1982 and Damtshaa in 2003.

Botswana’s good governance since 1966, when it became independent, ensured the significant diamond revenues accrued by government were optimally used to develop a nation, which was one of the poorest in the world to the middle-income economy of today.

Botswana has now developed a full and continually expanding “diamond pipeline” encompassing the stages of diamond prospecting and evaluation.

The positive strides that government has made over the years, could also be credited  to the birth of the Debswana Diamond Company, a 50/50 joint venture between the Botswana Government and the De Beers Group.

The marriage between the mining giant and government dates back to exactly 50 years ago and to reflect on the milestones achieved over the years, Debswana over the weekend hosted a series of 50th anniversary celebrations at all its mines, with the highlight being a gala dinner in Gaborone.

 Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration dinner, on behalf of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Permanent Secretary to the President, Mr Carter Morupisi noted that the fact that Debswana has thrived over these past 50 years was testament to the ability of the company, along with its stakeholders, to adapt to changes in the global market, while at the same time meeting the evolving aspirations of Batswana in claiming a greater share of the diamond value chain.

 He applauded the partnership for standing the test of time, through  constant dedication on the part of government and De Beers to ensure that Debswana remained the engine for Botswana’s socio-economic progress.

Mr Morupisi, who is also Debswana’s deputy  board chairperson, confirmed that the board deliberations had remained anchored on mutual respect, based on a ‘practical appreciation of our shared interest in ensuring that Botswana’s diamonds continue to benefit the development of the nation, as well as the company’s bottom line’.

Debswana Managing Director, Mr Albert Milton indicated that with the production of 24 million carats in 2018, nearly a quarter of the world’s entire annual production, Debswana was the cornerstone of the national economy, contributing 80 per cent to Botswana's export earnings, approximately 20 per cent  to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and close to 40 per cent of government revenues.

 He said Debswana  remained futuristic and ambitious in its approach, as evidenced by various initiatives that had been put in place to ensure the company’s sustainability announcing the commencement of the Cut-9 project to extend the life of Jwaneng Mine to 2035 as a clear testimony. 

“With an investment of approximately P24 billion over its life, the Cut-9 project is expected to yield 52 million carats. This extension will enable Debswana to continue to play a vital role in the economy of Botswana.  At its peak, Cut-9 will create more than 1, 000 jobs, the majority of which will be held by citizens,” he said.

Mr Milton said Debswana further remained unwavering in its commitment to corporate citizenship, especially within the communities it  operates within, adding that through various innovative corporate social investment projects, it continued to be a catalyst for sustainable development that impacts on the lives of the surrounding communities for the better. 

The company, he said  was committed to mining safely, optimally and responsibly, as well as making a meaningful contribution to the development of communities around its mines and the nation at large, thus leaving a lasting legacy. ENDS