Debswana exceeded output target in 2018
Mbongeni Mguni | Wednesday January 30, 2019 13:12
Anglo American holds 85% equity in De Beers, which in turn holds a 50% stake in Debswana. The Government of Botswana holds both the remaining 15% stake in De Beers and the 50% in Debswana.
Released on Monday, the report shows that Debswana’s production last year was a strong rebound from previous years when the miner dug up 20.4, 20.5 and 22.7 million carats in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. Last year’s production was marginally shy of the 2014 production of 24.2 million carats.
According to the Anglo report, Orapa production increased by 20% to 3.6 million carats driven by planned favourable grade and higher plant utilisation. Jwaneng production, on the other hand, increased by nine percent following an increase in tonnes treated. Jwaneng is presently producing diamonds from its multibillion pula Cut 8 project.
Debswana’s stronger production lifted overall De Beers output to 35.3 million carats or 12% higher year on year.