De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond producer by value continues to be anchored by Debswana, its 50-50 joint veture with Government of Botswana.
Inthe second quarter of 2021, De Beers total production amounted to 8.2 million carats representing a 134 % jump when compared to the second quarter of 2020 which was marred by COVID-19 induced slashed output.
Of the the total 8.2 million carats produced by De Beers inthe three (3) months April – June, Debswana brought to the table 5.7 million carats, accounting for 69.5 % of De Beers global output.
This production run by Debswana mirrored an increase of 214% when compared to 2020 quarter 2.
The percentage jump was due to planned low production in the second quarter of 2020 where output was adjusted to market demands and implemented covid-19 protocols.
Half year production for Debswana ; that is output from January to June 2021 reached 10.7 million carats.This was 43 % higher than the frst six month of the 2020.
Debswana owns four (4) Mines: Jwaneng being its flagship producer and largest revenue contributor. Jwaneng which is believed to be the wealthiest diamond mine in the world by value is envisaged for multi-billion expansion to an underground operation in future, to stretch its existence by few more decades.
The underground project which is anticipated to cost a whooping P65 billion will turn Jwaneng into the world‘s largest underground diamond mine.
The company also operates Orapa Mine- one of the world’s largest by area. Another operation is Letlhakane Mine, currently a tailings treatment operation.
Then there is Damtshaa Mine which is under care and maintenance following market shrink in 2020.
All the three mines located in Boteti, are managed under a single administration being Orapa, Letlhakane & Damatsha Mines (OLDM).
