Lucara Diamond is leading by example in the production of ethically sourced diamonds at its wholly owned Karowe mine in Botswana, Africa. Karowe, meaning “precious stone” in the local Setswana language, is renowned for the size and quality of its stones.
For Lucara, commercial success goes hand in hand with sustainable mining practices, and this is embedded in its mission to make a difference across the industry.
By investing in social and economic initiatives aimed at empowering local communities, Lucara is playing its part in spreading the prosperity created by mining.
“Lucara shares Botswana’s aspirations to create resilient, long-term, sustainable, and economic community projects,” says Hannah Reynish, Manager, ESG, Sustainability, and Corporate Communications at Lucara Diamond.
Lucara recognizes that diamond mining is a finite activity and is committed to creating a positive and impactful legacy, so people have the skills to succeed long after the mining industry has gone.
At its operation in Botswana, around 99% of the company’s employees are local. They contribute valuable insights into the business, and their skills and experience are embedded into the country’s workforce.
Mokubilo Integrated Farm is typical of the community-owned enterprises that Lucara supports throughout the region. The farm produces vegetables and eggs and was originally founded to address malnutrition in children.
Today, those nutrition levels have improved and the farm is turning a profit, tying the prosperity of Lucara to that of the community.
“Community investment is more than social responsibility or a path to social licence. It represents who we are as an organization and what we stand for,” says Kesego Kereemang, Safety, Health, Environment, and Community Relations Manager, Lucara Botswana.
Lucara is based in Vancouver, Canada. Its history of mining dates back to 1981, and it began producing diamonds at Karowe mine in the Boteti District of Botswana in 2012.
Enterprises like Mokubilo Integrated Farm create resilient communities. During the Covid pandemic, eggs and vegetables from the farm were used in food hampers distributed by the government to vulnerable groups.
The farm’s presence has a positive impact on the local economy, encouraging more diverse business opportunities in areas such as food processing, while raising living standards.
Diamonds also pave the way for local infrastructure. “Botswana diamonds make me think of developments such as schools, clinics, and roads. We believe diamonds are capable of providing all these,” says Kgosi Badiseng Resetse.
The company subscribes to 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, shaping its community investment framework, commitment to cultural inclusion, and community development projects. In particular, it emphasizes SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
The world’s second-largest diamond – named Motswedi, or “water spring” in Setswana – was unearthed at the Karowe mine in 2024, weighing a spectacular 2,488 carats.