Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Limited (Debswana) was established in 1969 and is one of the world’s foremost diamond producer by value and volume. The company operates four diamond mines: Jwaneng, Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (the latter three are grouped under the acronym OLDM) and has a Corporate Centre in Gaborone, Botswana.
Debswana is an equal partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB) and the De Beers Group of Companies. The diamonds produced from the four mines are sold to De Beers and the Okavango Diamond Company, and Debswana is the biggest contributor to the De Beers Group rough diamond production.
The company is a major role player in the national economy of Botswana – with diamonds contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and government revenues. Debswana is one of the largest private sector employers in Botswana, with over 5500 employees and over 6000 contractors.
Debswana endorses and supports several international sustainability initiatives, including amongstd others:
• The Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program
• The United Nations Guiding Principles on Human Rights
• The Kimberley Process
• The Responsible Jewellery Council
• Anglo American’s Social Way Programme