Wikipedia

Mining industry of Botswana

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]

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

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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