Botswana
Botswana: One of the World's Leading Diamond-Producing Nations.
Since geologists first discovered diamonds in Botswana in 1967, the country's diamond industry has helped write one of Africa's biggest economic success stories. The southern African nation of Botswana is one of the world's leading diamond-producing countries, and its diamonds are among the most ethically sourced in the world.
In just over 50 years, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the world's poorest countries into a modern middle-income nation. The country's fortunes changed one year after gaining independence in 1966. Geologists had been searching unsuccessfully for diamonds in Botswana since 1955. After 10 years, the team was on the brink of abandoning the search but decided to continue for one more season.
Near the end of 1966, the team found the first kimberlite pipe in the Mochudi area, then diamonds at Orapa one year later. These discoveries marked the start of an exciting period when the major mines of Orapa, Letlhakane and Jwaneng were located.
- Kimberley Process Certified
- Blockchain Traceability
- Provenance Documentation
- Artisanal Mining Support
- Sustainable Practices
- Origin Verification
- Community Investment
JWANENG MINE
Jwaneng Mine became fully operational in 1982 and is now one of the world's richest diamond mines by value. Located in south-central Botswana, Jwaneng is a significant contributor to the nation's economy and a testament to the country's long-term vision for its diamond resources.
ORAPA MINES
Diamonds were first discovered in Orapa in 1967 – and its open-pit mine is the largest in the world. The Orapa, Letlhakane and Jwaneng mines form the backbone of Botswana's diamond industry, which has helped transform the nation into a modern middle-income country.
Transforming Botswana's Economy
While economies of countries rich in resources have traditionally grown more slowly than those that lack them, Botswana has achieved the opposite. This is largely due to the country managing its diamond resources in line with a strong long-term vision. Its prosperity is also strengthened by high standards of political stability, governance and investment of wealth.
The discovery of diamonds and the resulting economic investment in diamond mines has boosted other sectors in Botswana, such as transport, construction and financial services. The country's increased national wealth and public spending has improved life for many Batswana, delivering access to free education, as well as healthcare, energy, water infrastructure and transport.
Responsible
Extraction
Diamonds are extracted from kimberlite in processing plants located at the mines, with a robust focus on safety and environmental responsibility.
Certified
Provenance
Diamonds are sent to the Botswana Government's Diamond Office for valuation and certification under the Kimberley Process before shipment.
Local
Beneficiation
Diamonds set aside for beneficiation are securely transferred directly to customers' cutting and polishing factories in Botswana.
TRANSPORTING DIAMONDS
Underpinned by a robust focus on safety, diamonds are extracted from kimberlite in processing plants located at the mines, then sent to the Botswana Government's Diamond Office for valuation and certification under the Kimberley Process. The diamonds are then shipped to CrownStone Diamonds' central sorting facility in Gaborone, where they are aggregated into assortments for purchase by our rough diamond customers.
Once purchased, the diamonds are transferred via secure courier back to the Botswana Government's Diamond Office in Gaborone for further valuation and certification under the Kimberley Process, before being shipped to our customers' offices after the sale has been completed. Diamonds that are set aside for beneficiation – the promotion of in-country wealth creation and skills development by supporting diamond-related activities – will be securely transferred directly to our customers' cutting and polishing factories in Botswana.
As part of the Best Practice Principles and OECD Due Diligence Guidance requirements, every stage of the movement of diamonds must be assessed for potential risks. Because of the environment in which we operate, the management systems we adopt and the training that is provided to all security personnel, our assessment process found that the risks associated with the transport of diamonds in Botswana are very low. We continue to ensure that our systems, policies and processes remain current and effective.
Frequently asked questions
Since the discovery of diamonds in 1967, Botswana has transformed from one of the world's poorest countries into a modern middle-income nation. Diamond revenues have been reinvested into education, healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors, improving life for many Batswana.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is the foundational standard for conflict-free diamonds. All diamonds from Botswana are certified under the Kimberley Process at the Botswana Government's Diamond Office in Gaborone before being shipped to customers.
Beneficiation is the promotion of in-country wealth creation and skills development by supporting diamond-related activities. Diamonds set aside for beneficiation are transferred directly to customers' cutting and polishing factories in Botswana, creating local jobs and building expertise.
Every stage of diamond movement is assessed for potential risks as part of the Best Practice Principles and OECD Due Diligence Guidance. With robust management systems and trained security personnel, the risks associated with diamond transport in Botswana are very low.
The major mines in Botswana include Orapa (discovered in 1967, the largest open-pit mine in the world), Letlhakane, and Jwaneng (fully operational in 1982, one of the world's richest diamond mines by value).
CrownStone Diamonds documents each diamond's journey through the Botswana pipeline — from extraction at the mines, through the Diamond Office for Kimberley Process certification, to the central sorting facility in Gaborone — creating a verified provenance record for every stone.