Diamonds in Botswana: Mines, Prices & Ethical Diamond Industry

Explore diamonds in Botswana, including major mines, prices, famous discoveries, ethical mining, and why Botswana leads Africa’s diamond industry.

Diamonds in Botswana have transformed the country into one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous economies. As the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, Botswana’s diamond industry plays a pivotal role in the global market.

From the discovery of vast deposits in the 1960s to the establishment of major mines like Jwaneng and Orapa, the Botswana diamond industry has driven economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and export revenues.

Debswana, the joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers, oversees much of the production, ensuring ethical practices and transparency.

Whether you’re an investor eyeing high-value gems, a tourist interested in mine tours, or a buyer seeking conflict-free diamonds, Botswana offers unparalleled opportunities in the diamond sector.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the history, major mines, prices, ethical aspects, and more about diamonds in Botswana. With up-to-date data from 2025, including production statistics and market trends, this article provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the Botswana diamond mines and beyond.

History of Diamonds in Botswana

The story of diamonds in Botswana begins in the mid-20th century, shortly after the country’s independence from Britain in 1966. Prospecting for diamonds started in 1954 under the Bechuanaland Protectorate, led by De Beers.

The breakthrough came in 1967 with the discovery of the Orapa kimberlite pipe, one of the largest diamond deposits ever found. This marked the start of Botswana’s transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations to a middle-income economy.

Diamonds played a crucial role in Botswana’s post-independence era. Prior to the discovery, the economy relied on agriculture and cattle farming, vulnerable to droughts. The influx of diamond revenues funded infrastructure, education, and healthcare, lifting millions out of poverty.

In 1969, the government partnered with De Beers to form Debswana, a 50/50 joint venture that ensured Botswana retained significant control and profits from its resources. This model of resource nationalism has been hailed as a success, with diamonds accounting for up to 80% of exports and 30% of GDP in peak years.

By the 1970s and 1980s, additional discoveries at Letlhakane (1973) and Jwaneng (1982) solidified Botswana’s position. Unlike many resource-rich African nations plagued by the “resource curse,” Botswana invested wisely through sovereign wealth funds like the Pula Fund, promoting sustainable development.

Today, as of 2025, the industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds and market slumps, but its historical impact remains profound.

Botswana Diamond Industry Overview

The Botswana diamond industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately one-third of government revenues and three-quarters of foreign exchange earnings.  In 2025, despite global downturns, Botswana remains the world’s top diamond producer by value, exporting around 25 million carats annually.  Production rebounded strongly in Q3 2025, rising 49.5% to 6.0 million carats, driven by recovery at key mines.

Diamonds employ over 10,000 people directly through mining operations, with thousands more in related sectors like cutting and polishing.

Export revenues reached billions in Pula (Botswana’s currency), though 2025 saw declines due to weak demand and competition from synthetics, leading to a projected economic shrinkage of nearly 1%.  Globally, Botswana ranks second in volume behind Russia but leads in value due to the high quality of its gems.

Here’s a table summarizing key data on the Botswana diamond production:

Metric	Value (2025 Estimates)	Source
Annual Production	~25 million carats	Stats Botswana
Contribution to GDP	~25-30%	World Bank
Employment	>10,000 direct jobs	Debswana
Export Value	~$3-4 billion USD	Okavango Diamond Company
Global Ranking (Value)	1st	Kimberley Process

This structured overview highlights the industry’s scale and importance for investors and buyers alike.

Major Diamond Mines in Botswana

Botswana’s diamond wealth stems from several world-class mines, primarily operated by Debswana. Each mine has unique characteristics, from production capacity to notable discoveries.

Jwaneng Diamond Mine

Located in southern Botswana, Jwaneng is the world’s richest diamond mine by value.  Owned by Debswana, it began operations in 1982 and produces around 10-12 million carats annually. Known as the “Prince of Mines,” it features advanced technology for efficient extraction.

Notable discoveries include high-value Type IIa diamonds. For tourists, limited tours offer glimpses into operations, though access is restricted for security.

Orapa Diamond Mine

Orapa, in central Botswana, is the largest diamond mine by area and volume, operational since 1971.  It produces about 11 million carats yearly and is famous for its massive open-pit design. Ownership is Debswana, with a focus on sustainable mining. The adjacent Adrian Gale Museum provides educational insights for visitors.

Letlhakane Mine

Opened in 1975, Letlhakane is smaller but efficient, producing 1-2 million carats annually. It’s part of the Debswana portfolio and emphasizes tailings reprocessing for extended life.

Karowe Mine

Operated by Lucara Diamond Corp., Karowe in northeastern Botswana is renowned for large, high-value stones.  It uses X-ray transmission technology to recover massive diamonds intact.

Here’s a comparison table of major mines:

Mine	Location	Ownership	Annual Production (carats)	Notable Features
Jwaneng	South	Debswana	10-12M	Richest by value
Orapa	Central	Debswana	11M	Largest by area
Letlhakane	Central	Debswana	1-2M	Tailings focus
Karowe	Northeast	Lucara	Variable	Large diamonds

Debswana & Government Control

Debswana Diamond Company, established in 1969, is a 50/50 partnership between the Botswana government and De Beers Group.  This structure ensures the government captures a significant share of profits, unlike exploitative models elsewhere. Debswana operates four mines and has been key to Botswana’s success, emphasizing ethical mining and community development.

The model’s success lies in transparency and reinvestment. Botswana’s government uses revenues for national development, avoiding corruption through strong institutions. In 2025, Debswana continues to drive the industry amid challenges.

Botswana Diamond Prices & Value

Botswana diamond prices are influenced by global demand, quality, and market trends. In 2025, rough diamond prices averaged $100-150 per carat, down due to lab-grown competition and economic slowdowns.  Factors include the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat), with Botswana gems often excelling in clarity and color.

Rough diamonds from Botswana fetch higher values than polished ones initially, but processing adds premium. Compared to other countries, Botswana diamonds are pricier due to ethics and quality. For buyers, certified stones ensure value retention.

Famous Diamonds Discovered in Botswana

Botswana has produced some of the world’s largest diamonds. The 2,492-carat Motswedi diamond, discovered in 2024 at Karowe, is the second-largest ever.  Valued potentially at over $100 million, it’s a Type IIa gem.

Other notables include Lesedi La Rona (1,111 ct, sold for $53M), Sewelô (1,758 ct), and a 1,080 ct from 2023.  These attract investors seeking rare assets.

Ethical & Conflict-Free Diamonds

Botswana diamonds are certified conflict-free under the Kimberley Process, established in 2003 to prevent “blood diamonds.”  Unlike regions like the DRC, Botswana enforces strict regulations, ensuring 99.8% ethical trade.

This trust signal appeals to conscious buyers. Botswana’s role in the Kimberley Process highlights its commitment to transparency.

Diamond Processing & Export in Botswana

Botswana has developed a local cutting and polishing industry through the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB). Exports follow Kimberley Process certification, with regulations ensuring value addition domestically. In 2025, Okavango Diamond Company handles sales, boosting local benefits.

Investing in Botswana Diamonds

For investors, Botswana diamonds offer rewards like high returns from rare gems, but risks include market volatility and lab-grown threats.  Buy certified rough or jewelry; diversification is key. Certification from GIA ensures authenticity.

Diamond Tourism in Botswana

Tourists can explore diamond heritage through mine tours at Orapa and Jwaneng (booked via Debswana) and the Adrian Gale Museum in Orapa, showcasing mining history.  Combine with safaris for a unique experience.

Comparison: Botswana Diamonds vs Other Countries

Botswana leads in value ($3-4B), while Russia produces most carats (37M).  Vs South Africa: Similar quality but Botswana has better ethics. Vs Russia: Higher volume but sanctions affect. Vs Congo (DRC): Botswana avoids conflict issues, offering premium ethical gems.

Country	Carats (Annual)	Value (USD)	Ethics Rating
Botswana	25M	$3-4B	High (Kimberley)
Russia	37M	$3.6B	Medium
South Africa	8M	$1-2B	High
DRC	20M	$1B	Low

FAQs about Diamonds in Botswana

Why is Botswana rich in diamonds?

Botswana’s geology features ancient kimberlite pipes, discovered in the 1960s, fueling economic growth.

Are Botswana diamonds conflict-free?

Yes, certified under the Kimberley Process, ensuring ethical sourcing.

Which is the biggest diamond mine in Botswana?

Jwaneng by value, Orapa by volume.

Can tourists buy diamonds in Botswana?

Yes, through licensed dealers in Gaborone, with certification.

How much are Botswana diamonds worth?

Rough prices $100-150/carat in 2025; large gems millions.