Debswana Diamond Company is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Goitseone Gadifele as the General Manager (GM) of Jwaneng Mine, effective 13 December 2024. Known fondly as “GG,” Goitseone brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and innovation to his new role. His appointment highlights Debswana’s ongoing commitment to excellence and operational success in Botswana’s mining industry.
Goitseone’s journey with Debswana began in 2006 when he joined the company as a Mining Engineer in Training. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, holding a variety of key leadership positions. These include Mining Manager Operations, Senior Mining Manager, and most recently, Acting GM of Jwaneng Mine. His career has been marked by steady growth, and his wealth of experience makes him the ideal leader for the iconic mine.
With over 18 years of experience in large-scale open-pit and underground mining operations, Goitseone has demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mining with Honours from the University of Exeter, UK, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cumbria, Switzerland. His qualifications are complemented by participation in elite Executive Leadership Development Programmes from prestigious institutions such as GIBS Business School and Stellenbosch University Business School.
Throughout his career, Goitseone has been driven by a commitment to safety, operational efficiency, and innovation. Under his leadership, Jwaneng Mine has achieved significant milestones, particularly in safety and operational excellence. Some of his key achievements include:
• Safety Excellence: Under his guidance, Jwaneng Mine won the prestigious AfriSAFE Occupational Health & Safety Award for Mining Company of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, underscoring the company’s world-class safety standards.
• Innovative Mining Practices: Goitseone pioneered advanced mining techniques, including deep slope and battered slope mining at the Cut 8 North East Corner. These innovations helped address complex geotechnical challenges, ensuring the mine’s continued operational success.
• Future-Proofing Operations: He played a pivotal role in the commissioning of the Jwaneng Underground Project (JUP) Early Access Development, setting the foundation for the mine’s long-term viability.
• Award-Winning Plant Operations: Under Goitseone’s leadership, Jwaneng Mine achieved the Anglo Golden Plant Award for four consecutive years (2020-2023), recognizing excellence in metallurgical operations while embedding Processing Without Harm (PWH) as a standard practice.
In addition to his leadership at Jwaneng Mine, Goitseone has recently been appointed as the Board Chairperson of Sesiro Insurance Company, further showcasing his broad expertise within Botswana’s corporate landscape.
Goitseone’s appointment signals a continued commitment to innovation and operational excellence at Debswana. With a focus on a safe and sustainable operating culture, Goitseone is poised to lead Jwaneng Mine into an exciting new chapter. His leadership promises to uphold Jwaneng’s position as the world’s richest diamond mine and as a beacon of excellence in Botswana’s mining industry.
Debswana extends its heartfelt congratulations to Goitseone Gadifele on his well-deserved appointment and looks forward to his transformative leadership. With leaders like Goitseone at the helm, Debswana is reaffirming its dedication to pioneering advancements in the mining industry and contributing to the socio-economic development of Botswana.
