Mining industry of Botswana

[3] Diamond has been the leading component of the mineral sector ever since production of gems started being extracted by the mining company Debswana.

[4] Copper, gold, nickel, coal and soda ash production also has held significant, though smaller, roles in the economy.

[7] Beyond diamonds, Botswana also boasts abundant mineral resources such as coal, copper, nickel, and soda ash, along with granite, further diversifying its mining sector.

[3][7][9] Revenue from diamond exports has enabled Botswana to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, which has been an extremely significant contributor to the standard of living for its citizens.

[10][11] Additionally, Botswana has implemented policies to promote local beneficiation, encouraging the cutting and polishing of diamonds within the country to capture more value from the industry.

[35] The discovery of nickel deposits in the northeastern parts of the country, notably in the Selebi-Phikwe region,[36] has started to bring more economic opportunity in this sector.

[45] The process of mining, including land clearing, excavation, and waste disposal, can lead to habitat destruction,[46] soil erosion, and water pollution.