Jwaneng Underground hits 10,000m milestone
Mbongeni Mguni | Monday November 9, 2026 09:13
When complete, the JUP will create the world’s largest underground diamond operation, involving 360 kilometres of tunnels. Starting in 2034 and going up to at least 2054, the project will bring up nine million carats to the surface annually, anchoring Debswana and the government’s revenues at a critical time when the country’s diamond resources are tapering out.
In a statement on Tuesday, Debswana officials said the 10,000-metre milestone was reached after work began in May 2024.
“This achievement marks an important step in Jwaneng Mine’s underground journey, demonstrating continued progress towards establishing the infrastructure needed to support the mine’s next chapter,” the officials said. “Beyond the metres achieved, this milestone reflects the collective effort, technical expertise, and dedication of the JUP team and its contracting partner, Redpath. “Their work is establishing the foundation for underground exploration and advancing the technical studies that will inform future mining decisions.”
The officials said the development work forms a critical part of the project’s exploration access phase, providing access to the orebody for further investigation and evaluation. The information gathered will support resource assessment and help inform decisions regarding the mine’s potential future underground development.
“As work progresses, the experience gained by employees and project teams will contribute to building the capabilities required for underground mining and strengthening local expertise. “At the heart of this achievement are the people making progress possible. “Through teamwork, disciplined planning, technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to safety, the teams continue to advance a project that is central to Jwaneng Mine’s long-term future.”
Following the Cut 8 expansion, Jwaneng was already one of the world’s largest open-cast diamond mines at about 625 metres deep and after the Cut 9, the pit has reached down to more than 800 metres.
Production from Cut 9 will last until 2033 at which point ore from the underground project should be ready to take over and continue mining activities until at least 2054.
Analysts say the 10,000-metre milestone indicates that despite the diamond downturn and projections of structural change in the industry, Debswana and its shareholders are doubling down on the future of the precious stones.
Last year, Debswana managing director, Andrew Motsomi, revealed that whilst traditionally the mining giant funds its capital projects from its internal revenues, the weakness in the market meant it would have to turn to external debt.
“Debswana is working with a local commercial bank to get a credit rating in order to raise capital for the JUP,” he said at the Future of Mining Summit. “When we were cash rich, we could fund projects but now we have to start looking at other funding sources.”
Motsomi said the JUP was critical to Debswana and by extension, the nation, going forward.
“We are delivering the JUP to make sure we can sustain or secure long-term revenue as and when Cut 9 concludes,” he said. “The project started in May last year and a lot of progress has been made with tight timelines to avoid a revenue gap in the transition from open cast to underground.”