Beneath its surface, the little nation of Botswana in Southern Africa has a glittering secret. The Jwaneng Diamond Mine, one of the most precious gems on Earth, is located around 170 kilometres southwest of Gaborone, the country’s capital. Let’s examine how Botswana’s evolution was centred on this old volcanic location.
Finding a Massive Treasure
The name Jwaneng, which translates to “Place of Gems,” is a wonderful fit for its meaning. The well-known diamond business De Beers found this mine in 1970. In 1982, commercial mining got underway. Since then, the Jwaneng mine has grown to rank among the world’s most precious and productive diamond mines.
The Volcanic Birth of Diamonds
The mine is located inside the remains of an ancient volcano and was formed by a rare rock called kimberlite. Kimberlite is dense, heavy, and rich in minerals, and it comes from deep within the Earth’s mantle. These volcanic pipes pushed diamonds to the surface millions of years ago, and three such kimberlite pipes make up the Jwaneng mine.
A Mine Full of Riches
The diamonds found here are not only large in size but also of excellent quality. In 2023 alone, the Jwaneng mine produced about 13.3 million carats of diamonds. The estimated value of this mine today is around $96.15 billion USD. For this reason, the mine is also called the “Prince of Mines”.
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The Power Behind the Mine: Debswana
Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, is in charge of running the Jwaneng mine. This one mine provides almost 70% of Debswana’s income. For Botswana, the project has become a vital economic lifeline.
Botswana: From Poverty to Progress
In the 1960s, Botswana was considered one of the world’s poorest nations. But after the discovery of diamonds, especially from mines like Jwaneng, the country’s economy changed dramatically. Today, it is considered a middle-income nation.
The mine itself holds more than 166 million carats in reserve. Over the years, it has already earned more than 960 billion Botswana Pula (about 9600 crore BDT).
The Global Diamond Scene
Diamonds are mined in 23 countries, but only six major producers — Russia, Botswana, Canada, South Africa, Angola, and Namibia — are known for large and high-quality stones. Among these, Russia ranks first in production, contributing about 30% of the world’s diamonds. Botswana ranks second and holds about 300 million carats in reserves.
In 2021, a rare 1,098-carat diamond was found in Botswana — one of the largest ever discovered.
Historical Reverberations: The Diamond Boom in South Africa
With the discovery of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond in 1905, South Africa created history long before Botswana rose to prominence. This discovery transformed the nation from a peaceful coastal retreat into a thriving industrial area.
How the Mine Works
Jwaneng is known for its modern and efficient mining operations. Large drills are used to loosen the kimberlite rock, which is then transported by truck to processing plants. Advanced technologies like X-ray machines and laser sorters are used to separate diamonds from the rock.
Mining and the Environment
Like all large mines, Jwaneng faces environmental challenges due to rock waste and land disturbance. However, in 2000, it became the first mine in Botswana to receive ISO certification for using environmentally friendly methods.
The Future of Jwaneng
A major expansion project called “Cut-9” is currently underway to increase the mine’s depth and extend its life to at least 2034. Today, mining operations reach a depth of 400 meters, but this will go deeper in the coming years.
This project is expected to create thousands of new jobs and produce diamonds worth around £20 billion (approx. $25 billion USD).
A Sign of Pride in the Nation
There is more to the Jwaneng Diamond Mine than merely mining. It is an example of Botswana’s success story, transforming a tiny, impoverished nation into a major player in the world diamond market. For many years to come, its impact will be felt.
Source: Daily Jugantor
