Jwaneng Underground Project Surpasses Timeline Expectations, Securing Botswana’s Diamond Future

Jwaneng Underground Project Surpasses Timeline Expectations, Securing Botswana’s Diamond Future. Debswana’s ambitious transformation of the Jwaneng Mine from open-pit to underground operations is progressing ahead of schedule, signaling a significant milestone for Botswana’s diamond industry and the broader economy.

As of September 2025, the Jwaneng Underground Project is 8% ahead of its planned timeline, with tunneling progress reaching 3.6 kilometers since the first blast in May 2024, according to Agatha Sejoe, Senior Corporate Affairs Manager at Debswana. This accelerated progress reflects effective project management, technical expertise, and strategic resource deployment.

The underground transition is expected to extend the operational life of Jwaneng Mine by nearly 20 years, ensuring continued production from one of the world’s richest diamond deposits. The project is central to sustaining Botswana’s diamond exports, which remain a key contributor to national revenue, employment, and industrial growth.

Sejoe noted that while the project remains on track, unforeseen challenges such as global market volatility and geopolitical disruptions could impact progress. “We are optimistic, but we remain vigilant against external risks that may affect timelines,” she said.

For Botswana’s business community, the Jwaneng Underground Project represents more than a mining milestone. It underscores opportunities for local contractors, service providers, and suppliers to participate in a high-value, long-term infrastructure project. SMEs and technology providers involved in mining support services stand to benefit from the extended lifecycle of the mine.

As the project advances, Debswana continues to demonstrate its commitment to operational excellence, economic sustainability, and supporting Botswana’s industrial ecosystem. The Jwaneng Underground Project is poised to not only secure the country’s diamond production for decades but also to reinforce the critical role of the mining sector in driving economic growth.