Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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Gaborone – In a significant stride towards a greener future, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and Debswana Diamond Company have officially cemented a strategic partnership, signalling a major shift towards renewable energy in the nation’s vital mining sector. The two powerhouses recently announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), a move set to propel Botswana’s commitment to the global climate agenda.
Debswana, the world’s leading diamond producer, jointly owned by the Botswana government and mining giant De Beers Group, is now poised to access and demonstrate the use of renewable electricity for its extensive operations. This will be sourced from the planned solar plants outlined in Botswana’s national Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), marking a pivotal moment for the country’s energy landscape. Debswana operates four diamond mines across Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa, and the colossal Jwaneng.
“This initiative reflects Botswana’s commitment to the global climate agenda and supports the national IRP to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future,” declared BPC CEO David Kgoboko. “With 1.5 GW of planned renewables and 50 MW already online at Mmadinare solar plant, BPC is delivering real progress towards a sustainable energy mix.”
The newly signed MoA establishes a crucial framework to harness renewable energy attributes from solar power stations. This mechanism is designed to drive industrial decarbonisation, with major players like Debswana leading the charge. These “attributes” are quantified through RECs, a globally recognised system that provides a transparent way for companies to prove their use of renewable energy and effectively shrink their carbon footprint.
Debswana Managing Director Andrew Maatla Motsomi elaborated on the diamond producer’s comprehensive approach to sustainability. “Debswana‘s decarbonisation strategy is structured around four key pillars which are: reducing energy intensity, transitioning to alternative fuels, decarbonising electricity supply, and carbon recovery initiatives,” Motsomi explained.
He added, “As part of our decarbonisation strategy, we have been actively improving operational energy efficiency and surpassed our annual target. We have also made significant strides in decarbonising our electricity supply, commissioning over 1.6 MW of rooftop solar capacity across Debswana operations.”
This collaboration not only underscores Botswana’s dedication to environmental stewardship but also positions its diamond industry at the forefront of sustainable mining practices. As the world increasingly demands ethically sourced and environmentally responsible products, this partnership could provide Debswana with a crucial competitive edge, polishing not just diamonds, but also its green credentials on the global stage. The move is a shining example of how major industries can play a transformative role in a nation’s transition to a cleaner energy future.
