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Debswana Diamond Company Ltd, or simply Debswana, is a mining company that mainly operates in Botswana. It is a joint venture between De Beers and the government of Botswana, both having an equal share of 50%. They own 4 diamond mining locations in Botswana that do not allow private mining. All operations will be under the government of Botswana.
Debswana was founded on June 23, 1969 when De Beers have found out that Botswana has great reserves of diamond. The company was originally named as De Beers Botswana Mining Company. When it was founded, only 15% of the company was owned by the government of Botswana. However, when it prospered, they have bought an additional 35% giving them the 50% ownership of the mining company. In 1991, the company’s name was changed into Debswana Diamond Company Ltd.
The diamond mining industry helped Botswana improve their economy. Prior to the project, Botswana was one of the poorest country in Africa. But after the diamond exploration and production, they are now among the fastest growing economies in the whole world.
4 Diamond Mines of Debswana:
Orapa Diamond Mine
Orapa Diamond Mine, which means “the resting place of lions,” commenced on July 1971. It is the very first operational diamond mine of Debswana and its kimberlite covers an area of 118 square kilometres at the surface. In 2013, it is said that the mine has produced as much as $1.6 billion worth of diamonds in 2013, making it one of the most productive mines in the whole worlds.
Letlhakane Diamond Mine
Debswana’s 2nd diamond mine was Letlhakana, which means “little reeds,” is about 190 kilometers (120 mi) west of the city of Francistown. It is also the deepest mine the Debswana currently have.
The diamond mine began its operation in 1975. In 2013, its production were about 765,000 carats which were sold for as much as US $110,900,000.
Jwaneng Diamond Mine
The 3rd mine Debswana has is Jwaneng which means “a place of small stones.” It is the richest diamond mine if the whole world and began its operation in 1982. In 2013, it produced 8,000,000 carats of diamond which were sold for as much as US $1.16 billion.
Debswana mines at a depth of 350 meters at Jwaneng, but could possibly reach as much as 625 meters by 2017. The company is also currently working on cut-8 which is said to extend Jwaneng’s operation time up until 2025.
Damtshaa Diamond Mine
Started its operation in 2003, Damtshaa, meaning “water for tortoise,” is the newest diamond mine of Debswana. The mining location is expected to yield about 5,000,000 carats out of 39,000,000 tonnes of ores for its 31 years of mining production.
In 2013, the mine produced as much as 190,000 carats worth US $27,600,000.