13-11-2020
Debswana, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and De Beers, announced the closure of one of its Botswana mines in 2021 for a period of three years, in light of high operational costs.
The mine produces lower quality diamonds which makes it expensive to dig during this period when the market is depressed. “Placing Damtshaa mine into care and maintenance will support Debswana’s ability to continue to invest in production capacity expansion projects that are essential to its positive long-term future,” said De Beers spokesperson.
The mine is one of four operated by Debswana. It has an average annual output of 500,000 carats. The company will also close a processing plant at the Orapa mine for an indefinite period.