21 January 2025
In a significant diplomatic visit, Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK Minister for Africa, toured the Jwaneng Mine, one of the world’s richest diamond mines, operated by Debswana. This visit underscores the strategic importance of the partnership between the United Kingdom and Botswana.
During his visit, Lord Collins was given an in-depth overview of Debswana’s operations by the company’s Managing Director, Andrew Motsomi. Motsomi emphasised Debswana’s 55-year legacy of conducting safe, efficient, responsible, and ethical diamond mining. He highlighted the company’s substantial contributions to Botswana’s economy, which include advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Motsomi also detailed Debswana’s production performance over the years, the challenges faced, and the opportunities the company is currently pursuing.
“We are proud of our long-standing commitment to responsible mining practices and our contributions to the socio-economic development of Botswana,” said Andrew Motsomi.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that the benefits of our operations are felt by the communities we serve, and we are continuously exploring new opportunities to enhance our impact.”
Lord Collins expressed his admiration for Debswana’s robust Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. He praised the company’s ambitious goals aimed at sustaining economic activity beyond the diamond mining industry. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for Botswana.
The UK Minister also discussed potential partnerships in the renewable energy sector, commending Debswana’s progress and commitment to sustainable practices. This aligns with the broader UK-Botswana partnership, which seeks to foster economic development, environmental sustainability, and social progress.
Lord Collins’ visit to Jwaneng Mine not only highlights the importance of the diamond mining industry to Botswana but also reinforces the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Botswana.
As Botswana continues to navigate the complexities of the global diamond market, the support and partnership of international allies like the UK remain invaluable. This visit marks a step forward in strengthening these ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
