18 Aug 2020

The Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, is interested in establishing Diamond Tourist Attraction Centres across the country. 

The minister, Mr Lefoko Moagi, who was responding to a question from Ghanzi South MP, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, said the concept of a diamond mining museum was established as part of Debswana Diamond Company’s sustainable development initiatives, as well as to support mine closure plans. 

The Adrian Gale Diamond Museum which was constructed in Orapa in 2018, was an educational and tourist facility in celebration of Botswana’s rich diamond heritage, he said.

He further said the museum presented the metaphorical story of ‘from crust to crown’, how the discovery of diamonds in Orapa in 1967, forever changed the economy of Botswana from being one of the poorest countries in the world at independence in 1966, to a middle economy  today and now striving towards a high income economy. 

The story is presented through various exhibition halls namely: Earth, Prospecting, Mining, Processing and Products. Debswana diamonds and replicas are displayed in the Museum for the public to see and appreciate. 

The Museum is currently in full operation and open to the public and tourists.

Minister Moagi said government was not in a position to build Diamond Tourist Attraction Centres. 

Instead, he said, government would encourage and facilitate the private sector to invest in Diamond Tourist Attraction Centres.

Mr Motsamai had asked if the ministry would consider establishing a Diamonds Tourist Attraction Centre which would provide information and samples  for viewing to raise revenue for government and awareness on the diamond industry. Ends