𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 & 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Debswana Diamond Company Senior Energy and Carbon Manager, Ishmael Motlhale resourced as a panelist, a discussion tackling the topic, ‘Achieving carbon neutrality: Strategic partnerships & innovative financing for a sustainable transition’, at the ongoing The Future of Mining Summit 2025. The panel explored pathways for the mining industry to achieve carbon neutrality through clean energy innovation and net-zero strategies.
Mr. Motlhale shared that Debswana’s decarbonisation strategy is structured around four key pillars which are reducing energy intensity, transitioning to alternative fuels, decarbonising electricity supply and carbon recovery initiatives. Motlhale also shared on some of Debswana’s undertakings to reduce dependence on diesel as it accounts for a large amount of Debswana’s energy consumption. He cited the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and Debswana Memorandum of Agreement on Renewable Energy Certificates as a strategic partnership that will enable Debswana operations to access and demonstrate the use of renewable electricity sourced from solar plants. He emphasised that carbon recovery initiatives remain a key focus area for the business.
Other panelists included Ms. Patricia Nkuna, Head of Safety & Sustainability – Morupule Coal Mine, Mr. Jonathan Raheem Hosseini, Managing Director – Kgalagadi Resources Development Company T/A Solar Power and Resegohetse Pheresi, Senior Debt Trade Solutions Transactor – RMB Botswana.
