Africa-Press – Botswana. The US$550 million Karowe Diamond Mine expansion project, which is expected to prolong its lifespan to 2040, is reported to be progressing well.
“We are pleased by the progress of the project. Our focus is on engaging innovative technology in the project,” Lucara Diamond Mining Group chief executive officer Ms Eira Thomas told President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at Office of the President yesterday.
She said the underground mining development undertaking was expected to be completed in 2026.
Ms Thomas said the plan was to sink dual shafts of 800 metres with the intension of extracting ore from the deepest and richest levels of the ore body explaining that there would be no disturbance on ongoing open shaft mining activities.
The project was exciting because it would make Karowe the first underground diamond mine in Botswana and possibly the largest shaft sinking mine in the world, she said.
Ms Thomas said the project would not only increase the mine’s lifespan but would also contribute to the value of its product.
On another issue, she stressed the importance of Lucara Diamond Mining Group being transparent in its activities as today’s consumers wanted to know if they were supporting responsible companies with their purchases.
“They want to establish whether they are supporting responsible businesses that care about the environment, social commitments and governance,” said Ms Thomas.
Responding, President Masisi commended the company for the developments underway at Karowe Diamond Mine which he described as a major contribution towards the documentation of Botswana diamond mining history.
The President said he was not aware of any country in the world that was a trendsetter and was even close to Botswana’s performance in the diamond sector.
He said the Karowe project would ensure that the company continued to extract the most valuable diamonds which contributed immensely to Botswana’s development.
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