Location

About 170 km southwest of Gaborone, Botswana; situated in an ancient volcanic crater.

Meaning of Name

Jwaneng means place of gems in Setswana language.

Ownership

Operated by Debswana a 50:50 joint venture between De Beers & Botswana government.

Geology

Located atop a kimberlite pipe a volcanic geological formation that brings diamonds from Earth mantle to surface.

Discovery & Operation

Discovered in 1970s; operations began in 1982.

Production (2023)

Produced 13.3 million carats making it richest diamond mine in value globally.

Cumulative Revenue

Estimated to have crossed $96 billion since inception.

Economic Impact

Accounts for up to 70% of Debswana earnings; key to Botswana’s rise from a poor to a middle-income country.

Technological Edge

Uses large drills, X-ray & laser sorting in its processing plants.

Eco-Certification

First mine in Botswana to receive ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.

Future Expansion

Cut-9 project (Euro 1.5 billion) to extend operations till 2035, expected to generate 53 million carats more.

Underground Mining Plan

Approved in January 2024; estimated to generate Euro 20 billion & create thousands of jobs.

Sustainability Initiatives

Ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact, with green initiatives & ecosystem support.

Social Responsibility

Investment in education, healthcare, housing & wildlife conservation in Botswana.

Global Status

Known as Prince of Mines due to its high economic & ethical standards.

Jwaneng

Botswana

~13.3 million carats (2023); ~$1 billion+ value

Debswana (De Beers + Govt. of Botswana)

Richest mine by value; sits on kimberlite pipe; ISO 14001 certified

Orapa

Botswana

~12 million carats/year

Debswana

One of largest by area; open-pit

Udachny

Russia

~5 million carats/year

ALROSA

Deep open-pit mine; transitioning to underground

Mir (Mirny)

Russia

~2 million carats/year (before closure)

ALROSA

World’s second-largest excavated hole

Catoca

Angola

~6–7 million carats/year

Endiama + Alrosa + LLI

4th largest globally by volume

Venetia

South Africa

~4.5 million carats/year

De Beers

Largest diamond producer in South Africa

Argyle (Closed 2020)

Australia

~14 million carats/year (peak)

Rio Tinto

Known for pink & red diamonds

Letšeng

Lesotho

Smaller volume but highest average value/carat

Gem Diamonds

Famous for large high-value diamonds

Diavik

Canada

~6–7 million carats/year

Rio Tinto

Arctic mining; uses ice roads

Gahcho Kué

Canada

~4.5 million carats/year

Mountain Province + De Beers

One of Canada’s newest & richest mines

Panna Diamond Mine

Madhya Pradesh

Operational

NMDC (Govt. of India)

Only active diamond mine in India; located in Vindhya Range

Majhgawan Pipe

Madhya Pradesh

Operational

NMDC

Part of Panna group; diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe

Bunder Project

Madhya Pradesh

Lease transferred (non-operational)

Initially Rio Tinto → Essel Mining (Aditya Birla Group)

High-grade deposits; eco-sensitive area; stalled due to environmental concerns

Kollur Mine (Historic)

Andhra Pradesh

Closed (Historic Site)

N/A

Source of famous Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond during medieval period

Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field

Andhra Pradesh

Exploration Phase

Geological Survey of India

Significant kimberlite pipes discovered

Raichur-Gulbarga Belt

Karnataka

Exploration Phase

MECL / GSI

Ancient deposits; under exploration

Sambalpur–Nuapada Belt

Odisha

Exploration Initiated

State Govt. + GSI

Potential kimberlitic zones being studied

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Jwaneng Diamond Mine stands as a global model of resource-based development. Critically examine role of mineral wealth in transforming national economies with special reference to Botswana & India.