What's Happening?
Lucara Diamond, in partnership with United Mining Services (UMS), held a ceremony to commemorate the final production shaft blast at the Karowe diamond mine in Botswana. The event marked a significant milestone in the mine's development, with the completion of a 770-meter deep production shaft. Lucara's president and CEO, William Lamb, highlighted the achievement of 2,000 lost time injury-free days and nearly 5.72 million LTI-free hours since the project began four years ago. The safety performance was attributed to a strong safety culture and various initiatives implemented by UMS. The mine's current open-pit reserve is expected to be depleted by year-end, and the underground project aims to extend the mine's life and access high-value ore.
Why It's Important?
The completion of the production shaft is crucial for the future operations of the Karowe mine, as it will enable access to the underground reserves, thereby extending the mine's lifespan. This development is significant for Botswana's mining industry, as it creates employment opportunities and fosters skill development in shaft sinking. The safety achievements underscore the importance of rigorous safety standards in mining operations, which can lead to improved worker safety and operational efficiency. The project also highlights the potential for growth in Botswana's mining sector, contributing to the country's economic development.
What's Next?
The next phase of the project involves equipping the shaft, with steelwork expected to arrive soon. Milestones in this process include commissioning and licensing conveyances for legal transportation of personnel and commissioning the materials handling system for underground material extraction. An operational-readiness program is underway, with the mine expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2028. The successful completion of these steps will be vital for the mine's transition to underground operations and its long-term viability.
