Mining industry of Botswana

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The Jwaneng diamond mine, the second largest in the world,[1] and richest by value.[2]

The mining industry of Botswana has dominated the national economy of Botswana since the 1970s, being a primary sector industry.[3] Diamond has been the leading component of the mineral sector[4] ever since production of gems started being extracted by the mining company Debswana.[5] Most of Botswana's diamond production is of gem quality, resulting in the country's position as the world's leading producer of diamond by value.[4] Copper, gold, nickel, coal and soda ash production also has held significant, though smaller, roles in the economy.[4]

In 2022, mining accounted for about 16% of Botswana's real gross domestic product (GDP).[6] Most of Botswana’s mining industry comes from diamonds.[7]

Diamonds[edit]

Tree map of Botswana’s exports in 2009

Botswana's diamond industry is very important to its economy.[3] Since the discovery of diamonds in Botswana in the late 1960s in the orapa diamond mine,[8] these precious gemstones have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economics. The industry is mainly managed by the government and De Beers in a company called Debswana.[5]

Economic impact of diamonds[edit]

Diamonds have had a large impact on Botswana's economy.[7] The discovery of diamonds in Botswana during the 1960s triggered a notable economic transformation,[3] elevating the country from one of the poorest in the world to an economically wealthy country in Africa.[9]

Mines[edit]

Aerial view of the Orapa diamond mine

Diamond mining in Botswana is primarily concentrated in the Orapa, Letlhakane, and Jwaneng mines, which are among the world's richest diamond deposits.[10] These mines are operated by Debswana,[11] a joint venture between the Government of Botswana and De Beers.[11] The effects it has had on the country have seen international recognition.[12][13]

Effects[edit]

Revenue from diamond exports[14] has enabled Botswana to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, which has been an extremely significant contributor to the standard of living for its citizens.[15] Additionally, Botswana has implemented policies to promote local beneficiation,[16] encouraging the cutting and polishing of diamonds within the country to capture more value from the industry.[17] With its rich diamond reserves,[18] its commitment to sustainability,[19] and partnerships,[20] Botswana has been significant in the diamond industry.[14]

Other commodities[edit]

Coal mining[edit]

Botswana has substantial coal reserves,[21] primarily located in the eastern region of the country, particularly in the Mmamabula coalfields.[22] The development of coal mining infrastructure, such as the Morupule Colliery, has enabled Botswana to harness its coal resources for both domestic consumption and exportation.[23] However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations[24] and environmental concerns[25] have made it so that trade and exports are limited and usually with neighboring countries.[26]

Gold mining[edit]

The country's gold reserves are mainly concentrated in the eastern regions, particularly in areas such as the Tati Greenstone Belt.[27] Exploration efforts by both local and international mining companies have led to the discovery of significant gold deposits.[28] However, the sector faces challenges, but the main factor is mainly the lack of infrastructure development.[24]

Copper mining[edit]

Botswana has substantial copper deposits mainly located in The Kalahari Copper Belt.[29] The Kalahari Copper Belt, in particular, is a prominent geological formation known for its copper-rich ore bodies.[30] However, the commercial viability of copper mining in Botswana depends on factors such as infrastructure development,[24] and market demand.[31]

Nickel mining[edit]

Nickel mining in Botswana represents a burgeoning sector with considerable potential for growth and investment.[32] The discovery of nickel deposits in the northeastern parts of the country, notably in the Selebi-Phikwe region,[33] has started to bring more economic opportunity in this sector.[34][33] The development of nickel mining infrastructure, such as processing plants and transportation networks,[35] is crucial for Botswana’s nickel industry.[36][37][38]

Other commodities[edit]

In addition to coal, gold, copper, and nickel, Botswana has other mineral resources that contribute to its overall mining industry. These primarily include soda ash,[39] and salt.[40]

Political influence[edit]

San people[edit]

In the late 20th century and the early 21st century, the indigenous San people were forcibly relocated from their home for diamond companies to start exploring in order to find diamonds.[41]

Environmental impact[edit]

Mining activities in Botswana, particularly in diamond extraction, have raised concerns about their environmental impact.[42] Climate change is a serious issue for a water scarce country like Botswana.[43] The process of mining, including land clearing, excavation, and waste disposal, can lead to habitat destruction,[44] soil erosion, and water pollution.[45]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Groot, Robert (2022-09-30). "Top 10 Biggest Diamond Mines". Royal Coster Diamonds. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  2. ^ "Botswana". www.debeersgroup.com. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  3. ^ a b c "Botswana: Mining a New Growth Model". IMF. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  4. ^ a b c "Botswana - Mining & Minerals". www.trade.gov. 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  5. ^ a b "About Debswana". Debswana.
  6. ^ "Statsbots" (PDF).
  7. ^ a b "The contribution of diamonds to Botswana's development". www.debeersgroup.com. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  8. ^ Nocera, Joe (2008-08-09). "Diamonds Are Forever in Botswana". The New York Times. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  9. ^ de la Horra, Luis Pablo. "How Botswana Became One of Africa's Wealthiest Nations". Foundation for Economic Education.
  10. ^ "Botswana Five Largest Mines". Global Data.
  11. ^ a b "Welcome to Debswana". Debswana.
  12. ^ "Mining in Botswana". S-GE. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  13. ^ "Botswana's diamond industry gets boost amid global uncertainty". Voice of America. 2024-04-30. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  14. ^ a b "Diamonds in the Rough: Exporting and Investing in Botswana's Mineral Brilliance". Prosper Africa. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  15. ^ DeMarco, Anthony. "New Film Details How Botswana Benefits From Diamonds". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  16. ^ "Botswana Minerals Policy 2022" (PDF).
  17. ^ Ben-Zvi, Gidon (2023-12-21). "A New Dawn for the Botswana Diamond Industry". Rapaport. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  18. ^ "Botswana Has the World's Two Richest Diamond Mines". Israeli Diamond Industry. 2023-01-11. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  19. ^ "Botswana .:. Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform". sustainabledevelopment.un.org. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  20. ^ "Partnerships & Commitments, Botswana | High-Level Political Forum". hlpf.un.org. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  21. ^ "Masama Coal Mine". Global Energy Monitor. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  22. ^ "Mmamabula Coal Mine". Global Energy Monitor. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  23. ^ "Morupule Coal Mine". Global Energy Monitor. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  24. ^ a b c Briceño-Garmendia, Cecilia; Pushak, Nataliya (November 2011). Botswana's Infrastructure: A Continental Perspective (Report). Policy Research Working Papers. doi:10.1596/1813-9450-5887.
  25. ^ Saubi, Onalethata; S Suglo, Raymond; Konka, Bheemalingeswara (21 May 2023). "Impacts of Fines at Morupule Coal Mine, Botswana". Momona Ethiopian Journal of Science. 15 (1): 1–16. doi:10.4314/mejs.v15i1.1.
  26. ^ "Botswana - Countries and regions". IEA - International Energy Agency.
  27. ^ "Tati Greenstone Belt Project". Power Metal Resources plc (AIM:POW). Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  28. ^ de Wit, Mike C J. "Prospecting History Leading to the Discovery of Botswana's Diamond Mines: From artefacts to Lesedi La Rona". www.ikcabstracts.com.
  29. ^ "Botswana and Namibia Exploration". Sandfire. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  30. ^ "Kalahari Copper Belt Project". Kavango Resources. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  31. ^ "Copper-processing technologies: Growing global copper supply | McKinsey". www.mckinsey.com. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  32. ^ "Norilsk Nickel - AGE (African Growing Enterprises) File". Institute of Developing Economies. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  33. ^ a b "Overview". Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  34. ^ "Selebi Nickel, Copper and Cobalt Project". Eastport Ventures Inc. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  35. ^ Thuline, John (2024-02-06). "How Nickel Alloy Is Used in Chemical Processing Plants". Wieland Diversified. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  36. ^ Goodstein, Eban (1983). "The Prospects for Copper and Copper-Nickel Investments in Botswana during the 1980's". Botswana Notes and Records. 15: 75–78. JSTOR 40979682.
  37. ^ "State.gov".
  38. ^ "New Life in Botswana Nickel?". allAfrica.
  39. ^ "Botash – Botash Botswana". Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  40. ^ You Won't Believe the Size of Botswana's Salt Flats | Botswana's economy thrives on the minerals lying beneath salt flats the size of Portugal. Tonight at 8, Aerial Africa takes you soaring over this... | By Smithsonian ChannelFacebook. Retrieved 2024-05-02 – via www.facebook.com.
  41. ^ Carroll, Rory (2003-02-20). "Diamond miners exploit land of the Bushmen". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  42. ^ "Botswana | Climate Change Adaptation". www.adaptation-undp.org. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  43. ^ "Botswana: Climate risk country profile - Botswana | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  44. ^ de Castro Pena, João Carlos; Goulart, Fernando; Wilson Fernandes, G.; Hoffmann, Diego; Leite, Felipe S.F.; Britto dos Santos, Natália; Soares-Filho, Britaldo; Sobral-Souza, Thadeu; Humberto Vancine, Maurício; Rodrigues, Marcos (July 2017). "Impacts of mining activities on the potential geographic distribution of eastern Brazil mountaintop endemic species". Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation. 15 (3): 172–178. doi:10.1016/j.pecon.2017.07.005.
  45. ^ "Environmental Impact of Open-Pit Mining". Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
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