Debswana’s carbon neutrality efforts gather pace

Mbongeni Mguni | Tuesday June 17, 2025 13:31

As explained by Mompoloki Lettie Pitlagano, Senior Manager - Environment, Social and Governance Integration, Debswana aims to leverage its position as one of the country’s leading corporate entities, to set the standard for responsible mining and corporate governance.

Debswana has massive operations across the country, intersecting the natural environment and communities, while enriching the nation and powering economic growth. The company is bringing its five-decade long history as a leading corporate entity to bear in demonstrating to other corporates and the world, that a large mining entity can soften its environmental impact and sustainably produce valuable minerals.

Debswana’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), which contains the pivotal target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, is the central pillar in government’s priority to “green” diamonds and mining, thus supporting ethical and sustainable economic activity.

“Debswana’s ESG strategy is not just about compliance – it’s about leading the way in responsible mining and corporate governance, ensuring that its operations benefit both Botswana and the broader global community,” explains Pitlagano.

As revealed recently during the signing of a renewable energy supply agreement with the Botswana Power Corporation, Debswana’s operations around the country will require in the region of 410-megawatts of electricity in the future, while other types of energy such as diesel fuel, are amongst the major consumables in operations.

Under the carbon neutrality target, which is guided by the company’s Building Forever sustainability framework, several significant milestones have been reached over the past year across four key areas, Pitlagano says.

These include energy efficiency gains through operational upgrades, including fuel optimisation for haul trucks and efficiency improvements in equipment, have already led to a 10.2% boost in energy efficiency, surpassing the eight percent target set for 2024.

Debswana has also explored the adoption of alternative fuels like biodiesel. Electric vehicles have been introduced and trialled at Jwaneng Mine and Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa Mines (OLDM). Feasibility studies have already been completed for trolley assist systems to reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Debswana has also expanded its renewable energy initiatives, with over 1.6MW of rooftop solar capacity deployed. Additionally, the company is targeting a large-scale 200MW solar PV project planned for completion by the end of 2025 by BPC to decarbonize its operations. Debswana is collaborating with the BPC to transition to renewable electricity sources. Recently, Debswana signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the BPC for Renewable Energy Certificates that allow the diamond company to access and demonstrate its use of renewable energy.

The road to carbon neutrality has also seen Debswana initiate carbon recovery initiatives. Specifically, Debswana is conducting research into carbon capture technologies and nature-based solutions to accelerate decarbonisation efforts.

“Debswana is also working with government agencies, universities, and industry partners to explore biofuel applications, with successful trials of locally produced biodiesel repurposed from waste cooking oil at Jwaneng Mine. “A feasibility study is underway to assess scalability. “With continued investment in green financing mechanisms, large-scale sustainability projects remain on track, reinforcing Debswana’s commitment to leading Botswana’s mining sector into a greener future,” Pitlagano explains.

Expanding on the testing of electric vehicles in Debswana’s operations, Pitlagano says the initiative was taken in recognition of the fact that diesel accounts for approximately 40% of Debswana’s energy consumption. Pilots of the electric vehicles were conducted successfully at Debswana’s mines last year.

The various ESG initiatives being undertaken across Debswana’s operations are not just led at executive level, but through various interventions, are inculcated throughout the workforce. Pitlagano explains that Debswana makes a point of ensuring that its sustainability initiatives are deeply integrated into employee experiences rather than just being a corporate statement.

“Environmental stewardship is a key focus,” she says. “Employees receive training on sustainable practices such as safety, waste management, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency. “This ensures that they actively contribute to conservation efforts, making sustainability a collective responsibility.”

According to Pitlagano, operational efficiency and innovation play a crucial role in embedding sustainability into the workforce. Debswana is continuously implementing process automation and digitalisation to enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact.

“Employees are directly involved in these transitions, ensuring that they understand and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals. “By embedding sustainability into daily operations and employee engagement, Debswana ensures that its initiatives are felt at every level. “Sustainability is not just a brand effort – it is a lived experience for the workforce, making responsible practices a natural part of their professional journey,” she explains.

For Debswana, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of operations and strategic vision. Pitlagano says the sustainability promise is embodied in the ESG Strategy, which focuses on integrating sustainable practices into every facet of the business.

“We are committed to advancing industry standards, enhancing transparency, and improving the livelihoods of the communities within which we operate and the entire nation of Botswana. “Our key priorities include minimising our environmental footprint, promoting social development, and ensuring robust governance practices. “By embedding sustainability into our business strategy and decision-making processes, we aim to create long-term value for all stakeholders and contribute positively to Botswana's sustainable development.”