Discovery Projects
Pioneering the discovery and delivery of new viable diamond sources
Diamond exploration is a journey of discovery driven by precision, technology and expertise. Operating in some of the world’s most remote and challenging landscapes – from Canada’s frozen Arctic to Namibia’s vast ocean depths and Botswana’s expansive deserts – our teams work responsibly to uncover these precious stones.
Only a small number of kimberlite pipes hold enough diamonds to be viable – and fewer than 10 of these contribute the majority of the world’s diamond supply. We use pioneering technology, including airborne geophysical surveys, seismic readings and AI-driven analysis, to search for the next major diamond discovery that will shape the industry’s future.
Discovery Projects
Angola: Exploring New Possibilities
By combining our expertise with innovative detection methods, we aim to uncover Angola’s next major diamond deposit, while respecting the environment and local communities. Our approach is guided by collaboration and sustainability. We work closely with government partners and local stakeholders to ensure our exploration brings long-term benefits to Angola’s people and economy.
Groundbreaking Technology
We use a powerful detection technology called SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) to measure magnetic field changes far below the Earth’s surface, which indicate the presence of a kimberlite pipe. SQUID technology can examine magnetic fields 100 billion times weaker than a refrigerator magnet.
Mining
Two continents and four countries
Our global approach to diamond mining spans two continents and four countries – Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.
Mines
BOTSWANA
A Legacy of Diamond Excellence
Our diamond mines in Botswana are engines of national growth, symbols of responsible mining and a testament to the power of partnership.
Jwaneng is the world’s richest diamond mine by value. Jwaneng means ‘a place of small stones’ in Setswana, the native language of Botswana.
Orapa is the largest open-pit diamond mine by area and is a cornerstone of Botswana’s diamond industry. Orapa is also home to a game park that protects local wildlife, underscoring our commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Letlhakane, known for producing high-value diamonds, ceased being an open-pit mine in 2017. However, processing waste products from mining, known as ‘tailings’, at its state-of-the-art facilities has extended the life of its operations until 2043 and it continues to produce up to 800,000 carats a year.
Damtshaa mine operates alongside Orapa to ensure efficient and sustainable production.
Mines
CANADA
Leading Diamond Mining in the North
We’re a trusted partner in Canada’s diamond sector and committed to responsible mining, environmental stewardship and local community engagement.
Gahcho Kué mine began commercial production in 2017 and is a significant contributor to Canada’s diamond output. Operating in extreme Arctic conditions, Gahcho Kué is an engineering feat and a model for sustainable mining in sensitive environments. The mine is a joint venture between De Beers (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%).
Victor and Snap Lake mines opened in 2008 and, while in operation, recovered a combined 16.1 million carats of diamonds. Victor mine, Ontario’s first and only diamond mine, operated from 2008 to 2019. Snap Lake Mine, located in the Northwest Territories, was Canada’s first completely underground diamond mine. Both completed active closure in early 2025 and are now under long-term monitoring.
Over 35% of workforce from local communities
Mines
SOUTH AFRICA
A Pillar of the Diamond Industry
We are building on our legacy in South Africa with a commitment to sustainable mining, innovation and local community development.
Venetia mine is South Africa’s largest diamond producer by value, contributing significantly to the country's economy. The US$2.3 billion underground expansion commenced in 2015 and represented the largest single investment in South Africa’s diamond industry in decades.
Mines
NAMIBIA
Leading the Way in Offshore and Onshore Diamond Mining
Namibia’s diamond industry is a key driver of the nation’s economy and we are proud to be a major contributor to the nation’s growth.
Namdeb Holdings: Our operations in Namibia are led by Namdeb Holdings, a 50/50 joint venture between De Beers and the Government of Namibia. Namdeb Diamond Corporation oversees the onshore land-based operations and Debmarine Namibia oversees the offshore marine operations.
Onshore: Namibia’s land-based operations are located in the southern Namib Desert, home to some of the world’s richest diamond deposits. These mines have produced high-quality diamonds for decades.
Offshore: With rich diamond-bearing deposits on the seabed, Namibia is one of the few places in the world with offshore diamond recovery. Our marine operations use advanced technology to extract gem-quality diamonds from 100 metres below the surface.
Mines
BOTSWANA
A Legacy of Diamond Excellence
Our diamond mines in Botswana are engines of national growth, symbols of responsible mining and a testament to the power of partnership.
Jwaneng is the world’s richest diamond mine by value. Jwaneng means ‘a place of small stones’ in Setswana, the native language of Botswana.
Orapa is the largest open-pit diamond mine by area and is a cornerstone of Botswana’s diamond industry. Orapa is also home to a game park that protects local wildlife, underscoring our commitment to biodiversity conservation.
Letlhakane, known for producing high-value diamonds, ceased being an open-pit mine in 2017. However, processing waste products from mining, known as ‘tailings’, at its state-of-the-art facilities has extended the life of its operations until 2043 and it continues to produce up to 800,000 carats a year.
Damtshaa mine operates alongside Orapa to ensure efficient and sustainable production.
Mines
CANADA
Leading Diamond Mining in the North
We’re a trusted partner in Canada’s diamond sector and committed to responsible mining, environmental stewardship and local community engagement.
Gahcho Kué mine began commercial production in 2017 and is a significant contributor to Canada’s diamond output. Operating in extreme Arctic conditions, Gahcho Kué is an engineering feat and a model for sustainable mining in sensitive environments. The mine is a joint venture between De Beers (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%).
Victor and Snap Lake mines opened in 2008 and, while in operation, recovered a combined 16.1 million carats of diamonds. Victor mine, Ontario’s first and only diamond mine, operated from 2008 to 2019. Snap Lake Mine, located in the Northwest Territories, was Canada’s first completely underground diamond mine. Both completed active closure in early 2025 and are now under long-term monitoring.
Over 35% of workforce from local communities
Mines
SOUTH AFRICA
A Pillar of the Diamond Industry
We are building on our legacy in South Africa with a commitment to sustainable mining, innovation and local community development.
Venetia mine is South Africa’s largest diamond producer by value, contributing significantly to the country's economy. The US$2.3 billion underground expansion commenced in 2015 and represented the largest single investment in South Africa’s diamond industry in decades.
Mines
NAMIBIA
Leading the Way in Offshore and Onshore Diamond Mining
Namibia’s diamond industry is a key driver of the nation’s economy and we are proud to be a major contributor to the nation’s growth.
Namdeb Holdings: Our operations in Namibia are led by Namdeb Holdings, a 50/50 joint venture between De Beers and the Government of Namibia. Namdeb Diamond Corporation oversees the onshore land-based operations and Debmarine Namibia oversees the offshore marine operations.
Onshore: Namibia’s land-based operations are located in the southern Namib Desert, home to some of the world’s richest diamond deposits. These mines have produced high-quality diamonds for decades.
Offshore: With rich diamond-bearing deposits on the seabed, Namibia is one of the few places in the world with offshore diamond recovery. Our marine operations use advanced technology to extract gem-quality diamonds from 100 metres below the surface.
De Beers Upstream Technology
Upstream Technology is the technology and engineering solutions arm of our business. The business specialises in innovative technical products and services. It develops, delivers, and supports complete technology and engineering solutions for our exploration and mining operations. The division’s integrated systems and engineering capabilities improve safety, efficiency and profitability – helping us to achieve excellence in mining.
Sustainability in our operations
Diamonds have a deep connection with nature and we have a responsibility to protect it. We are committed to leave a net-positive impact on biodiversity and aim to avoid, minimise, restore and offset our impacts on biodiversity, in accordance with best practice.