Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between De Beers and the Botswana government, has clarified that the Orapa No. 2 ore processing plant is currently undergoing its scheduled annual maintenance shutdown for May and has not ceased operations, contrary to some media reports.
It said in a statement that the shutdown is part of a routine operational process to ensure the plant’s efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability.
Such planned maintenance is conducted annually to optimise performance and uphold Debswana’s commitment to operational excellence.
The diamond company said maintenance shutdowns are proactively scheduled well in advance, with timely communication shared with employees, contractors, and key stakeholders.
Debswana reassured the market that the temporary suspension of operations is standard practice and is not indicative of any broader operational disruptions.
Debswana’s board approved strategic measures in March 2025 in response to prevailing market conditions.
These measures included rationalising production by placing tailings treatment facilities at Letlhakane and Jwaneng Mines under long-term asset preservation, while maintaining mainstream carats production at the Orapa No. 2 plant and Jwaneng main treatment plant.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
