Mining regulation and development in Botswana : the case study of the Debswana mining joint venture

Abstract

The case study of Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the Botswana government and the De Beers Group of Companies, illustrates Botswana’s semi-directed model of mining regulation. Under this model, the Botswana government collects substantial mining revenues, which it invests in social spending because of a transparent and accountable governance structure. The government also uses its regulatory role to integrate the mining sector into national development plans. Through document analysis and interviews with government, mining and labour officials, this thesis concludes that to an extent the semi-directed model of mining regulation has mitigated the resource curse and contributed to development in Botswana. The country, however, continues to face significant challenges regarding economic diversification and employment. I conclude that under a semi-directed model of mining regulation, under which the private sector engages in production, the state has an important regulatory role to play integrating the mining sector into national development.