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
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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