Debswana Diamond Company Acting Managing Director, Lynette Armstrong and Orapa, Letlhakane & Damtshaa Mines General Manager, Bakani Motlhabani, hosted the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology & Energy Security, Lefoko Moagi in Orapa on Monday 22 June 2020.
The Minister embarked on his inaugural visit to the Orapa, Letlhakane & Damtshaa Mines (OLDM), to understand the operations and socio-economic impacts the organisation has in the Boteti region.
Moagi was taken for a tour at the world-class mining plants in Orapa, the diamond treatment plant in Letlhakane, as well as Orapa Hospital. He was briefly taken through some of the processes at the mines. A former miner himself, who has worked for Debswana, the Minister had a lot of insightful questions and comments, and was delighted to see that the company has over the long term managed to remain efficient, while improving its operational processes. He further commended OLDM management and employees for a well-executed response to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidenced by the numerous risk management protocols that are in place.
The minister received an update about Debswana’s Orapa Today, Boteti Tomorrow (OTBT) project, a multi-million Pula project aimed at diversifying the economy of Orapa and which will add value to the lives of the people of Orapa and Boteti sub district as a whole during and beyond the life of OLDM mines. While observing social distancing protocols, the minister also had an engagement with OLDM leadership and employees during his one-day visit at the mine.
The minister’s visit markedly came on the eve of Debswana’s 51st anniversary, which was on Tuesday 23 June 2020. Debswana is proud to have made a significant contribution towards national development since its inception, and will continue to do so through current and future strategic initiatives such as the ongoing Debswana Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme to create many more opportunities for the people of Botswana.