Debswana wants to deepen Jwaneng mine to unearth a further 50-million carats
The world’s most valuable diamond mine is set to get even bigger. Debswana, the joint venture between Anglo American’s De Beers unit and the Botswana government, is seeking permission to deepen the Jwaneng mine to 830m, according to a notice published in local newspapers on Thursday. The Cut 9 project will extend the mine’s life by 11 years, to 2035, and allow the extraction of a further 50-million carats. Jwaneng, which started full operations in 1982, is the world’s largest diamond producer by value and is currently 650m deep. Cut 9 will involve stripping away waste at the bottom of the mine, both widening and deepening the pit. The previous extension project, Cut 8, cost about $3bn and reached gem-bearing ore in 2016, seven years after work started. The project will probably be financed internally, said Debswana spokesperson Matshidiso Kamona. She declined to comment on the expected costs or schedule. Debswana has received provisional approval from the country’s department of env...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.