The Debswana Jwaneng  Mine in Botswana, is the world’s richest diamond mine by value, being worth about £1 billion. The mine is managed by Debswana, which is a joint collaboration between the Botswana Government and leading diamond company and jewellers, De Beers.

Located within the heart of an ancient volcanic crater, this mine has produced some of the world’s most valuable diamonds. Also called the “Prince of Mines”, the mine has recovered over 13.3 million carats in 2023 alone, and has been in use since 1982. Jwaneng Mine, with “Jwaneng” meaning “a place of small stones” in Setswana, generates 60-70% of Debswana’s total revenue.

The mine is the second largest diamond in the world, second to the Aikhal mine in Russia which is owned by Alrosa, a Russian diamond mining company.

Botswana is often referred to as the “land of diamonds,” and its Karowe Diamond Mine has recently made headlines after the discovery of the world’s second-largest diamond.

The 2,492-carat stone was found in September 2024 and unearthed by the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp.

A week ago, the Government of Botswana and De Beers announced they had renewed their 50/50 partnership, securing a 25-year extension of mining licenses and a 10-year sales agreement while launching a Diamonds for Development Fund.

Central Botswana is the largest district in Botswana and is home to a variety of landscapes, from the vast Kalahari Desert to fertile agricultural areas.

The region is home to the richest mine in the world and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and an incredible green oasis in the Kalahari Desert.

The central district is also known for the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and as a top destination for safaris.