He said when the strike started last week, they were working on two shifts of 12 hours each.
To achieve the three shift target, Makwinja said they had to recall retired and former employees on short-term contracts. The retirees had to be re-tested and to undergo medical check ups to ascertain do that they could use mining equipment. He said they could not take chances by using unqualified employees and added that the retirees had licences to operate the machinery.
He said when the strike began, they were mining from the stock pile in the medium to low grade areas, however, on Saturday they started working in the high grade area. He insisted that they did not need to blast everyday.
Makwinja however stated that they would like to see all their employees back at work. He attributed the continuous running of the mine to a few people who have returned to work and the assistance from employees who never went on strike.
Makwinja said they have had only a few mine accidents, and a few minor injuries, which, he confirmed, happen all the time in normal operations. He clarified that the plant production had never stopped and that they would continue to mine, while making other plans.
He insisted that soon the mine would be busier when they start mining from the pit and the drilling and blasting would be normal. Makwinja said the number two plant was operating at 8 to 9 percent above target.
The 33 year-old Orapa mine, which is the largest diamond mine in Botswana has over 1,000 employees on strike.
Meanwhile Damtshaa mine had to shut down to assist both Orapa and Jwaneng mines with staff.
