African Diamond Mining In Botswana And South Africa

African Diamond Mining In Botswana And South Africa

Africa produces 50% diamond globally. There are 15 African countries that produce diamond. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Namibia, Angola and Botswana are the largest producers of diamond. Other African countries that produce diamond include: Zimbabwe, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, CAR, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Ghana and Tanzania. Botswana is the highest diamond mining country in Africa with approximately 20% followed by DRC with 19% then South Africa with 11% globally (Zeleza 230-233).

Diamond Mining in Botswana

Most diamond produced in Botswana in 1990’s was of gem quality which led the country to be the largest miner of diamond by value. Botswana’s economy has been built on a basis of diamond mining. The mining has brought about more government revenue to the country improving the economy of the country to a higher average, giving it a standard of living like that of Mexico and Turkey. Diamond is the main export in Botswana.

The largest world richest diamond mine is Jwaneg found in Botswana giving it a high demand of diamond in the world. This diamond mine was discovered when termite came from underground looking for water and brought grains of diamond on the surface. Jwaneng mine in Botswana provides employment as people are needed to actually extract diamonds and construct infrastructure to ease diamond transportation. For instance a source of foreign exchange has been established to the economy which offers a potential foundation for industrial growth, and therefore motivating upgrading within Botswana’s infrastructure. Domestically produced gemstones are locally marketed in order to facilitate local diamond polishing and cutting. Polishing of diamond adds value to it. The polishing and cutting activities provide jobs for the population and have become a source of employment.

Debswana is a joint partnership formed by the Government and South Africa De .............