FOCUS ON DEBSWANA: From Top Achiever to Diamond Engineer: Maipelo Nthaga’s Journey in Mining

Maipelo Nthaga, once among Botswana’s top Form Five achievers, has carved a remarkable career in the mining industry. Armed with an Ore Engineering Processing qualification from Leeds University in the UK, she now oversees Debswana’s Diamond Value Management Office.Her department is responsible for processing material mined from the pit to extract diamonds—a complex procedure involving crushing, categorisation, and X-ray separation.“Diamond Value Management is about efficiency and retaining the value of the diamonds we extract, so that we maximise revenue. This is a very important space,” Nthaga explained. She stressed that in today’s challenging economic climate, safeguarding diamond value is critical.Nthaga has been with Debswana for more than five years, shaping her path early through school clubs such as PACT, teaching, and student counselling. Initially torn between finance and science, she explored medicine but quickly realised it wasn’t for her.“I couldn’t stand the sight of blood,” she recalled. Her love for chemistry led her to apply for Chemical Engineering under the Top Achievers programme, but she ultimately secured a Debswana scholarship, which offered not only sponsorship but also practical work experience at home.During school breaks, she gained hands-on exposure at Debswana, applying her studies in real-world settings. In 2021, she joined Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) as a Learner Official in Ore Processing.“The Learner Official programme helps you assimilate into work life and connect your studies to mine operations. You’re taken through different processes of the mine,” she said. Over three years, she rotated through mining, MRM, and other sections, gaining a holistic view of how the mine delivers its final product—the diamond.Debswana has been intentional about increasing women’s representation in STEM fields, with initiatives such as GirlEng and Maranyane Bokamoso inspiring young women to pursue science and engineering careers. Nthaga noted that when she joined the LO programme, only three women were participating, but the company has made strides since then. “Our field is still male-dominated, but progress is being made. Women should not fear entering uncharted waters in these spaces,” she urged.Reflecting on her studies abroad, she explained that Leeds University focused on oil processing and pharmaceuticals, so returning home meant adapting to diamond mining.“The LO programme was invaluable. It helped me assimilate into the workspace, interact with people, ask relevant questions, and seek mentorship,” she said. Today, as an Ore Processing Engineer, Nthaga continues to champion efficiency, value retention, and women’s participation in mining.ABOUT DEBSWANADebswana Diamond Company was established in 1969, and it is owned in equal shares by the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group. It is one of the world’s leading diamond producers by value and volume. Debswana operates four diamond mines in Orapa, Letlhakane, Damtshaa and Jwaneng. The company is a major contributor to the national economy of Botswana – contributing significantly to the gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and government revenues. Debswana is one of the largest private sector employers, with over 5500 employees and over 6000 contractors. Debswana is also the largest contributor to the De Beers Group rough diamond production. The company is committed to mining safely, optimally and responsibly, as well as making a meaningful contribution to the development of communities around its mines and the nation at large, thus making life brilliant.

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FOCUS ON DEBSWANA: From Top Achiever to Diamond Engineer: Maipelo Nthaga’s Journey in Mining