Orapa-Letlhakane-Damtshaa Mines | Letlhakane

Introduction
The Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa diamond mines form a cluster of major mining operations in Botswana’s Central District, collectively representing some of the world’s largest diamond-producing sites. Operated by Debswana, the joint venture between the Botswana government and De Beers, these mines are central to Botswana’s economy, contributing significantly to national revenue, employment, and infrastructure development.

Orapa Diamond Mine
Orapa is the largest diamond mine in the world by area and has been operational since 1971. It is primarily an open-pit mine, extracting diamonds from kimberlite ore through large-scale excavation. Modern processing facilities at Orapa sort and grade diamonds efficiently, using advanced technology to maximize yield. The surrounding town of Orapa developed as a mining settlement, featuring schools, recreational facilities, and community centers for mine employees and their families.

Letlhakane Diamond Mine
Located near Letlhakane village, this mine also operates as an open-pit facility. It focuses on kimberlite extraction and diamond processing, employing modern machinery and environmentally conscious practices, such as water recycling and land rehabilitation. The mine provides employment opportunities for local communities and supports social development programs in the region.

Damtshaa Diamond Mine
Damtshaa is slightly smaller but equally significant, situated close to Orapa and Letlhakane. It primarily extracts diamonds via open-pit mining and uses advanced sorting and processing techniques. Damtshaa contributes to regional employment and benefits local infrastructure, complementing the larger operations at Orapa and Letlhakane.

Operational and Economic Significance
Together, these mines produce a substantial portion of Botswana’s diamonds, reinforcing the country’s position as a global diamond leader. They are vital for foreign exchange earnings, economic growth, and employment, while Debswana’s joint venture model ensures that benefits are shared between the government, employees, and local communities.

Environmental and Community Practices
All three mines integrate environmental management, progressive land rehabilitation, and community development programs. Educational initiatives, healthcare support, and local enterprise funding help improve living standards in nearby villages, making the mines central not just to industry but also to social development.

Visitor Perspective
Although the mining operations themselves are restricted for safety reasons, visitors can explore surrounding towns like Orapa and Letlhakane to observe mining heritage, local culture, and infrastructure shaped by the mines. Occasional guided tours and exhibitions provide insight into the scale of operations, technological processes, and the role of diamonds in Botswana’s economic story.

The Orapa–Letlhakane–Damtshaa mines collectively symbolize Botswana’s strategic, sustainable, and community-oriented approach to resource management, blending industrial scale with social responsibility.