Jwaneng lies in south-central Botswana on the fringes of the Kgalagadi desert, 160 km south west of Gaborone and 80 km west of the traditional capital of the Bangwaketse district, Kanye village.

Jwaneng means “a place of small stones”.

The Jwaneng pipe was discovered in 1972 by De Beers prospectors.

In 1978 an agreement was signed between the Government of Botswana and De Beers to establish the mine, which was officially opened on 14 August 1982.

The mine is owned by Debswana, a partnership between De Beers and the government of Botswana.  Jwaneng Mine contributes 60-70% of Debswana’s total earnings.

Carats per year
The richest diamond mine in the world, in 2009  Jwaneng produced 11.5million carats from 8.2 million tonnes treated

Mine type - geology and process
Jwaneng is currently an open pit mine, but plans to move to an underground operation in 10 years.  This will begin a new chapter at Jwaneng Mine, and extend the life of the operation by another 10-15 years.

The size of the pipe, near surface was 54ha.  The age of the pipe is estimated at 240 million years.

The mine is located on three pipes (Centre North & South pipes) with an average grade of 150 cpht., and a smaller satellite pipe averaging 25cpht. 

The recoverable ore grade is about 141 carats per hundred tons.

The Jwaneng Mine Aquarium diamond recovery plant is the first of its kind in the industry. It comprises the completely automated recovery plant (CARP) and the fully integrated sort house (FISH).

Cut 8
In November 2009 the shareholders of Debswana (the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers), gave the green light to proceed with a major extension project at Jwaneng, the world’s flagship diamond mine. The project, also known as Cut 8 will secure approximately 95 million more carats and extend the life of the mine out to 2025.  This investment ensures continuity of supply from the world’s richest diamond mine, and could be worth in excess of $15 billion over the life of the mine. Read the full Press Release>

In 2010, Debswana commenced work on the Cut-8 extension project. The project represents the largest ever investment in Botswana and is expected to create more than 1000  jobs and yield 100 million carats over the life of the mine.  The project will strengthen the local economy and transform Jwaneng Mine into one of the world's few super-pit mines. 

Community and Environment
A town with a population of almost 15 000 people has developed 11 kilometres from the Mine. There are schools, a hospital and the usual infrastructure of a modern town.

The Jwana Game Park can be found within the boundaries of the Jwaneng mining lease.  The park hosts a Cheetah Conservation Botswana field unit, and Lappet-faced Vultures, which are globally threatened, are also found.

In support of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Endangered Rhino Population, two white Rhinos were introduced from the Khama Sanctuary in November 2007.

Health and Safety
Please click here for the 2010 ECOHS Overview>

Planning for closure
An initial closure plan has been developed for Jwaneng Mine. This covers the scope of work that will be required to effect the physical closure of the mine infrastructure. Financial provision is being made to fund the closure work.

Find out more about Debswana and its other operations >