UK Minister for Africa Baron Raymond Edward Harry Collins of Highbury has made a diplomatic visit to the Jwaneng diamond mine, in Botswana, operated by Debswana.
The visit served to highlight the strategic importance of the partnership between the UK and Botswana.
During his visit, Collins was given an in-depth overview of Debswana’s operations by the company’s MD, Andrew Motsomi, who said Debswana’s 55-year legacy was built on safe, efficient, responsible and ethical diamond mining.
He highlighted the company’s contributions to Botswana’s economy, which include advancements in infrastructure, healthcare and education. Motsomi also detailed Debswana’s production performance over the years, the challenges faced and the opportunities the company is currently pursuing.
“We are proud of our long-standing commitment to responsible mining practices and our contributions to the socioeconomic development of Botswana. Our focus remains on ensuring that the benefits of our operations are felt by the communities we serve, and we are continuously exploring new opportunities to enhance our impact,” Motsomi said.
Collins said he admired Debswana’s environmental, social and governance initiatives, noting the company’s efforts to sustain economic activity beyond the diamond mining industry.
He said these kinds of initiatives were crucial for ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for Botswana.
Collins also discussed potential partnerships in the renewable-energy sector, commending Debswana’s progress and its efforts to implement sustainable practices. This aligns with the broader UK-Botswana partnership, which seeks to foster economic development, environmental sustainability and social progress.
Collins’ visit to Jwaneng served to reinforce bilateral relations between the UK and Botswana as Debswana tries to navigate the complexities of the global diamond market.