Inside the world's richest diamond mine

Monday, December 07, 2015

Gaborone, Botswana (CNN): Debswana's Jwaneng mine is a giant cauldron of pale dust, 2 kilometers across at its widest point and patrolled by colossal 300-tonne trucks that labor up the terraced slopes.

The operation, owned as a joint venture between De Beers and the government of Botswana, is the richest diamond mine in the world and, as managing director Albert Milton says, "one of the most important assets in the country."

Nicknamed "the Prince of Mines", Jwaneng was opened in 1982, as the diamond trade propelled Botswana from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of Africa's wealthiest.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

LSB threatens to sue, boycott JSC over judicial appointments

Larona Makhaiza | 5 h ago

ATI to posthumously release ‘Neo le kae’ single

Sharon Mathala | 8 h ago

Botswana is branded by its people

PONALO TUMELO | 30 Jan 2026

The myth of diamond dependence

Lewanika Timothy | 30 Jan 2026

Shine on you crazy diamond!

Mbongeni Mguni | 30 Jan 2026

What Comes After the Crown: Ruth Thomas Reflects on Legacy, Purpose and Life Beyond the Title.

Brilliant Manje | 9 h ago

Red Roses show no mercy in record-breaking rout

Kabelo Boranabi | 10 h ago

Security Systems anticipate a difficult second lap

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | 10 h ago

Doping needs our collective action

As such, we are now one step away from the shame of being labelled amongst the world’s worst offenders. This is a national embarrassment that demands an immediate, united response from every corner of our society. Pointing fingers is useless, we must all hold up our hands and play our part in the dealing with this matter.To our government and the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), the call is for the to adopt decisive leadership and...

Mmegi Editor | 30 January 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More