From Diamonds to Data: A New Chapter in Botswana

James Campbell (M74-82) writes : Many Old Framlinghamians will know that my career since leaving school has taken me into the world of mineral exploration, much of it focused on diamonds in southern Africa. For the past number of years I have been running a London-listed company called Botswana Diamonds plc, exploring for new diamond deposits in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Diamonds remain a fascinating industry and one that has shaped much of my professional life.

However, the mining world, like many other industries, is evolving rapidly. The global push towards electrification, renewable energy and advanced technologies has dramatically increased demand for a range of other metals, such as copper, nickel and rare-earth elements. These minerals sit quietly behind many of the technologies we now rely on, from electric vehicles and renewable power systems to the expanding digital infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence.

In response to these changes, our company has recently embarked on an important transition. We are changing our name from Botswana Diamonds plc to Botswana Minerals plc to reflect a broader focus beyond diamonds alone. The geology of Botswana is exceptionally prospective not only for diamonds but also for a range of other important minerals, and we believe this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

The other interesting aspect of this shift is technological. Mineral exploration has traditionally involved a mixture of fieldwork, geological intuition and abundant persistence. Those elements remain essential, but we are now increasingly using artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis to help identify the most promising places to search for new deposits. By analysing vast geological datasets, AI can highlight subtle patterns that might otherwise take years to recognise.

In short, the company is evolving from a single-commodity diamond explorer into a broader, technology-enabled minerals exploration business. It is an exciting moment for us and a reminder that even industries as old as mining are continually reinventing themselves.

One lesson from Framlingham that has proved enduring is the importance of curiosity and adaptability, qualities that remain just as valuable in the Kalahari Desert as they were in the classroom.