Digging for Billions: Inside the World's Mega Diamond Mines

1. Jwaneng Diamond Mine (Botswana)

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Often called the "Prince of Mines," the Jwaneng Diamond Mine is a crown gem in Botswana's diamond sector among the most precious diamond mines worldwide. About 160 kilometres west of the capital city Gaborone, in south-central Botswana, Jwaneng has been running since 1982. Debswana, a special 50/50 joint venture between the De Beers Group and the Government of Botswana, runs the mine and represents a shining example of a private company working closely with a national government. One cannot exaggerate Jwaneng's importance in the worldwide diamond industry. Though the newest of Debswana's four mines, it is by far the richest and accounts for around seventy percent of the country's whole income. With an average of 1.3 carats per tonne of ore, the mine generates premium diamonds much above most diamond mines globally. Jwaneng's extraordinary production has helped it to become the richest diamond mine in the world by value. Jwaneng has a major influence on Botswana's economy. From one of the poorest nations in Africa at independence in 1966, diamond mining—with Jwaneng at its core—has turned Botswana into an upper-middle-income nation. Jwaneng's income has supported major national infrastructure projects, educational campaigns, and healthcare projects as well as other areas. Environmentally, Jwaneng has put several sustainability initiatives into place. Showing a dedication to biodiversity preservation, the mine runs a game park that provides refuge for nearby species. Debswana has also made investments in renewable energy projects and water recycling systems to reduce the effects of its activities on the surroundings. With the Cut-9 project, a $2 billion expansion effort meant to extend the life of the mine until 2035, Jwaneng looks bright. This project aims to deepen the mine from 400 to 650 metres by pushing back one of the pit walls, therefore maybe producing an extra 50 million carats of diamonds. Such expansion not only guarantees the mine's future but also keeps helping Botswana's economy to flourish for years to come.