State Visit to the Republic of Botswana - Day 3

Their Excellencies, accompanied by the Honourable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, visited the Karowe Diamond Mine Facilities and Operations on May 18, 2013.

WUSC's program in Botswana has focused on strengthening national-level NGOs to provide more inclusive, improved and increased HIV and AIDS services, to foster equality between women and men, and to engage in policy dialogue for the benefit of disadvantaged or marginalized communities.

WUSC works with and through its southern partners—government, civil society and the private sector—to strengthen education systems, expand employment opportunities, and foster an environment in which the aspirations and full participation of young people can be realized.

Canadian delegate Dr. Amit Chakma, President and Vice-Chancellor, Western University and Chair, WUSC, participated in the discussion. WUSC is a network of professionals, students, volunteers, faculty and community leaders who, together, provide opportunities to some of the world’s most disadvantaged youth.

Before leaving the Karowe Diamond Mine, Their Excellencies and members of the Canadian delegation posed for a photo.

Their Excellencies with the participants who attended the Kgotla.

"The well-being of local communities such as yours is non-negotiable. As the authors of the African Mining Vision—the pathway for sustainable, long-term development agreed to by African nations—have stated, we must ensure mining contributes to local development by making sure workers and communities see real benefits from industrial mining and that their environment is protected," said the Governor General.

During the Kgotla, the members of the Canadian delegation were introduced.

Following their visit to the Karowe Diamond Mine, Their Excellencies and the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources participated in a discussion with chiefs, small chiefs and traditional leaders from surrounding villages on how the mine impacts their communities.

A few of the chiefs, small chiefs and traditional leaders from the surrounding villages.

A few of the participants of the Kgotla with stakeholders.

Diamonds from the Karowe Mine.

Owned by the Vancouver-based Lucara Diamond Corporation, Karowe Mine’s mission is to build a leading African-focused diamond production and development company.

His Excellency examined a few of the diamonds.

Their Excellencies’ visit highlighted Canada’s commercial strength and capacity for innovation in the resource sector, and the deployment of a comprehensive corporate social responsibility program.

This state-of-the-art mine located in the Orapa/Letlhakane Kimberlite district, one of the world’s most prolific diamond-producing areas.

In the evening, His Excellency participated in a discussion with Mr. Philip Landon, World University Service of Canada's (WUSC) Regional Director in Botswana, and with Canadian volunteers who are working in the country.