Africa-Press – Botswana. The shift from open pit to shaft mining at Jwaneng Mine is anticipated to unlock job opportunities for international workers seeking employment in the mining operation.
Jwaneng Mine’s General Manager, Mr Koolatotse Koolatotse told the over 20 heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations who were on a tour of the mine recently that currently the mine had employed a very small number of expatriates.
He said this might change in future as there would be need for more skills and personnel from countries with more experience in underground mining.
He said the current Cut 9 project would extend the life of the mine to 2035 with 80 per cent plant ore feed expected form 2029, adding that the underground development was scheduled to commence in 2024, while production would start in 2030.
He stated that Debswana Diamond Company, which owned the Jwaneng Mine, was 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 leaving a lasting legacy for the nation.
Mr Koolatotse shared that the mine remained steadfast in ensuring that all projects were delivered safely and to the benefit of the nation.
“We are proud of the central role that the mine has played in Botswana’s remarkable development story,” he said.
He noted considerable milestones had been achieved, such as employing 63 people living with disabilities.
He added that the target was to employ 100 by the end of the year.
“We have also made strides in bridging the gender gap in the sector which has historically been wide, by promoting integration of women into the mining workforce,” he said.
He stated that the mine had established a 600-megawatts solar power station, and was exploring opportunities for expansion to help meet the national electricity demand.
The general manager further informed the diplomats that the power currently produced at the power station was being supplied to villages within 100km radius.
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