General Manager for Debswana's Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM), Mogakolodi Maoketsa, stated at recent media training that the new project has not been abandoned. “We have not suspended Cut 3. Timelines are continuously reviewed in line with the diamond market. “Preparations for commissioning are expected to begin in 2027, with first sales from Cut 3 anticipated around 2034,” he said. For now, Debswana will rely on Cut 2 to maintain production.
The GM told the media that extending this phase allows the company to remain productive while preparing for the next expansion. “We have implemented production reduction to align with current demand. This has gone hand in hand with cost discipline, project deferrals, and efficiency drives to sustain operations in a challenging market,” he added. When fully implemented, Cut 3 is expected will secure the mine’s future well beyond 2040, and Maoketsa was clear that such a pushback cannot be rushed. “It is about widening and deepening the current pit to unlock new ore. The scale is enormous and requires years of preparation. “Beyond geology, we have to consider water management, dust control, biodiversity, and safety at every step,” he said.
