The mine sits on a kimberlite pipe, a volcanic formation transporting diamonds from the Earth’s mantle.
Operational History: Discovered in the 1970s by De Beers, operating since 1982.
Production: In 2023, it produced 13.3 million carats.
Economic Impact: Has contributed significantly to Botswana’s economy, accounting for around 70% of Debswana’s earnings. Estimated revenue exceeds $96 billion since inception.
Advanced Mining: Employs advanced technologies, including large drills, X-ray, and laser sorters for diamond extraction.
ISO 14001 Certification: First in Botswana to receive ISO 14001 for eco-friendly practices.
Future Projects: The “Cut-9” project (€1.5 billion) aims to extend the mine’s life until at least 2035, yielding 53 million additional carats.
Underground Expansion: An approved underground expansion in January 2024 is expected to generate €20 billion and create thousands of jobs.
Responsible Mining: Praised for its responsible mining practices, with Debswana investing in local communities and wildlife preservation.
