The Jwaneng pipe was discovered in the Naledi River Valley (‘Valley of the Stars’), Southern Botswana, in 1972.
The Jwaneng Mine is under the Anglo American portfolio operated by Debswana, De Beers (Anglo American: 85% interest), in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Botswana. Jwaneng is one of the richest diamond mines in the world. The mine became fully operational in August 1982, when it was officially opened by the then President of Botswana, His Excellency Sir Ketumile Masire. Construction of the mine and the township commenced rapidly, the former coming into full production in July 1982.
Jwaneng Mine is the flagship of Debswana due to substantially higher dollar per carat obtained for its gems. Jwaneng Mine contributes about 60-70% of Debswana’s total revenue.
Currently Jwaneng is mining at a depth of 452 metres and is expected to reach 816 metres by 2034.
