Mmegi

Debswana ahead on Jwaneng underground despite cash crunch

Pushing ahead: The transformation of the Jwaneng Mine pit into an underground operation is ongoing PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Pushing ahead: The transformation of the Jwaneng Mine pit into an underground operation is ongoing PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Debswana is 14% ahead of target in developing the mammoth $6 billion underground expansion of Jwaneng Mine, and is considering debt funding for the project due to the downturn in diamond demand.

When complete, the Jwaneng Underground Project, popularly known as 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.

Editor's Comment
Two-tier education system demands action

Whilst we join Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) and other stakeholders in commending the rise in top grades, a testament to the unwavering effort of many teachers and pupils, this progress is fundamentally shadowed by a failing that shames our society. The stark, persistent urban-rural divide is not just a statistic, but an active betrayal of thousands of young Batswana.The figures are a damning indictment. When pass rates in...

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