Northern Mining Summit

18/07/2026

De Beers remains focused on ensuring sustainability with communities at the centre despite headwinds facing the global diamond industry, Group Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability for Diamond Trading Otsile Mabeo has said.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit under the topic "Maintaining the Social Licensing to Operate Amidst Industry Headwinds," Mabeo said sustainability remains core to De Beers Group.

She said investment in social impact programs that align with government socioeconomic development goals and deliver real impact is a business imperative because corporations benefit directly from a conducive environment provided by strong social and economic development.

FOR A DETAILED, VISIT: https://businessweekly.co.bw/companies-markets/de-beers-firm-on-sustainability-social-license-compliance

17/07/2026

Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) says it has directed more than P1.3 billion to citizen-owned businesses under its Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP) since 2022, as the miner steps up efforts to use procurement to deepen local participation in Botswana’s mining sector.

The company said the programme has supported more than 2,550 jobs across the mining value chain and forms part of a broader localisation and supplier development strategy aimed at integrating citizen-owned firms into mining-linked business activity.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit, MCM Chief Executive Officer Edwin Elias said the initiative reflected the company’s view that mining should generate measurable national value beyond extraction.

FOR A DETAILED READ, VISIT: https://businessweekly.co.bw/companies-markets/morupule-coal-channels-p1-3-billion-to-citizen-owned-firms-under-empowerment-drive

14/07/2026

This morning, the Northern Mining Summit had the privilege of participating in the launch of the Stanbic Bank Sustainability Academy, where entrepreneurs and SMEs were introduced to the registration process for a free, practical sustainability learning platform designed to build resilient, future-ready businesses.

The Sustainability Academy offers self-paced training modules covering:
• Sustainability & ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Principles
• Climate-Smart Agriculture
• Water and Wastewater Management
• Renewable Energy
• Carbon Markets

As businesses navigate an increasingly challenging economic environment, sustainability is no longer just a compliance requirement—it is a strategic advantage. The Academy equips entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to improve operational efficiency, manage climate and business risks, unlock new market opportunities, strengthen competitiveness, and enhance access to investment and sustainable finance.

Integrating ESG into business processes enables SMEs to build stronger governance, reduce environmental impacts, create positive social value, and position themselves as trusted partners within local and global value chains. Businesses that embrace sustainability today are better prepared to thrive in tomorrow's economy.

We encourage entrepreneurs and SMEs to take advantage of this valuable initiative and invest in building businesses that are resilient, responsible, and ready for sustainable growth.

𝐂𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲

Through the existing Stanbic Bank/Debswana Partnership, CEEP Business Partners are encouraged to enroll on the Standard Bank Group’s free Sustainability Academy offering practical modules on ESG, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, carbon markets, and water management. Learn at your own pace, at no cost.

Access details on the flyer below.

14/07/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣 𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗔 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡

"Debswana Diamond Company is considering opening Orapa township to the public, marking what could become one of the most significant changes in the history of Botswana's diamond mining communities.

The proposal forms part of the ideas that are currently explored under Debswana Ya Masa Strategy, which seeks to explore new approaches to the long-term sustainability of mining towns as the company prepares for the future beyond mining operations.

Speaking on the initiative on the sidelines of the Future of Mining Summit held in Gaborone recently, Debswana General Manager for Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines, Mogakolodi Maoketsa, said the strategy creates room for discussions on whether Orapa should transition from a closed mining township into an open public town.

Maoketsa explained that the issue requires careful consideration because Orapa's current status as a closed town is governed by legislation. He said any decision to open the township would involve extensive engagement with stakeholders and the relevant authorities.

"The best way forward is to work through the strategy and determine what is most appropriate. This is a legislative conversation because Orapa is currently a closed town," he said.

He noted that opening the township could unlock significant economic opportunities, particularly in the property market.

"If you look at the value of housing in Orapa today, compared to what it could be in an open town, there is a huge difference. At the moment, very few people would consider buying a house in Orapa because the town is closed and the properties have limited commercial value. Once it becomes an open town, you suddenly create vast opportunities for investment and economic activity," Maoketsa said.
He added that opening Orapa would also help address what Debswana considers a long-term social liability associated with the eventual closure of the mine.

According to Maoketsa, planning for the future of mining towns before mining activities come to an end is essential to ensuring sustainable communities and reducing the social and economic impacts that often accompany mine closures.

He pointed to the experience of other mining towns that have gradually transitioned after mining operations declined, saying their experiences demonstrate the importance of early planning and phased implementation.

"The strategy is encouraging us to start these conversations now rather than waiting until mining comes to an end. It is about preparing for the future while there is still time," he said.

If implemented, the proposal would fundamentally change Orapa's status from an exclusive residential township for Debswana employees into a publicly accessible town, potentially creating new opportunities for businesses, home ownership, tourism and broader economic diversification in Botswana's diamond-producing region.

No timeline has yet been announced for any decision on opening Orapa, with Debswana indicating that consultations and legislative processes would be required before any changes could be made."

07/07/2026

𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔'𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝟰𝟱% 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Botswana strengthened its position as one of the world's leading diamond producers in 2025 after the value of its rough diamond output jumped 45.5% to $1.98 billion, despite production declining by 14.5% to 15.5 million carats.

Latest Kimberley Process data shows Botswana's average diamond value soared to $127.66 per carat, up more than 70% from 2024, highlighting the country's stronger recovery of higher-value stones.

While Russia remained the world's largest rough diamond producer by volume, its production and export value both declined. Angola also posted a strong performance, recording growth in production, value and price per carat.

The figures reinforce Botswana's reputation as a global producer of premium-quality diamonds, with higher-value gems helping offset lower mining volumes and boosting the country's earnings from the sector.

02/07/2026

The fourth and final panel discussion..

01/07/2026

Presentation by Botswana Chamber of Mines CEO Rre Charles Siwawa.

01/07/2026

30/06/2026

Day 2 panel discussion 3.

30/06/2026

A great initiative by a visionary leader.