Thabo Balopi

Executive Head of Transformation & Innovation Debswana Diamond Company

Thabo Balopi is a highly accomplished mining executive with over 16 years of leadership experience at Debswana Diamond Company, where he holds the position of Executive Head of Transformation and Innovation. Renowned for spearheading transformative initiatives, Mr Balopi has been instrumental in delivering Debswana’s Digitalisation Blueprint for Future Smart Connected Mines—a visionary programme designed to revolutionise the business through cutting-edge technology and digital capabilities.

Under his astute leadership, Debswana has adopted innovative strategies to navigate the challenges of a dynamic diamond market, charting a course for long-term sustainability and operational excellence. His expertise encompasses mineral resource management, strategic leadership, and the successful delivery of high-impact projects, including the Debswana 2024 Strategy and the pioneering Beyond Mining sustainability initiatives such as Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow.

Mr Balopi’s distinguished career spans senior roles in Mineral Resource Management across Debswana’s flagship mines—Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa, and Jwaneng—as well as prior experience with De Beers Group and Tati Nickel Mining Company. He is widely regarded for his ability to integrate technological innovation with practical strategies that enhance operational efficiency and ensure business resilience.