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Prospecting (1969-1973)
Before De Beers began this work, no systematic
diamond prospecting had been conducted in
Botswana. Central African Selection Trust (CAST)
was the only other company exploring for
diamonds at that time. De Beers continued with a
programme of reconnaissance soil-sampling
using scoop sampling between baselines. By the
end of 1969, De Beers reported the first definite
and 'probable' kimberlitic ilmenites from
reconnaissance soil samples taken over 150
square miles across the Kweneng\Ngwaketse
boundary. These were considered to be the first
indication of the Jwaneng kimberlite province.
D u r i n g t h i s p e r i o d s e v e n
kimbe rlites were discovered in the Naledi Valley
and the main one in Gatalamotho proved to be
geologically and economically significant for
diamond exploration
Stuart Vercoe and Norman Lock were involved in
follow-up sampling to try to define drill targets
below the Kalahari sediments. Ground
magnetics was not effective since the Jwaneng
pipes were in general weakly magnetic. So with
the use of a small Vole drill they intersected
kimberlite and this culminated in the discovery of
the Jwaneng kimberlite in 1971, beneath a 3o
metre layer of Sand and calcrete on the margins
of the Naledi Valley. In 1977 sufficient data had
been gathered to show that the pipe was
commercially viable and a decision was therefore
taken to develop the Mine
From Jwana to Jwaneng (1978-1984)
The 1971 national census observed that there
were about 63 dwellings inhabiting the cattle
posts around the prospecting areas being
Jwana, Sese, Gatalamotho, Mokhomma,
Raphalane and Mogobe-wa-Dinonyane, which
are located in the Naledi Valley. After the April
1978 agreement between the Government of
Botswana and DeBeers Mining Company
regarding the diamond deposits, there was a
need for a town planning methodology and
feasibility study to be developed.
It is sufficient to say that after the discovery of
the kimberlite at Gatalamotho and Jwana
respectively a campsite was erected by the
prospecting team which attracted not only
laboures but also traders in the hope of servicing
camp residents.
Relocation Strategy
A town feasibility study was compiled and
completed in 1978 by the Government of
Botswana and De beers in-order to determine
the most conducive location of the new town.
Initially Jwaneng was planned to be a closed
signing of agreement
between Goverment of
Botswana and De Beers Mining
1973
1978
engagement of
Kgosi Seepapitso IV
for relocation of
residents
official opening of
Jwaneng Mine,
August 4th
1982 1984
Establishment of
Jwaneng Township Authority
on August 10th
www.jtc.gov.bw
Jwaneng To
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