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Debswana pushes Cut 3 start date back

Getting bigger: Orapa Mine is due to expand from 2028 PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Getting bigger: Orapa Mine is due to expand from 2028 PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

FRANCISTOWN: Debswana’s Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) general manager, Mogakolodi Maoketsa, has announced that the highly anticipated Cut 3 Project, aimed at expanding open-pit operations, will now be commissioned in 2028, a year later than initially forecast.

Initially, Debswana had indicated that mining from Cut 3 would commence in 2027. The project is currently in the feasibility study phase and preparations for commissioning are set to start in 2025. Maoketsa explained at a stakeholder briefing last week that the reason for the delay is the ample stock from Cut 2 operations due to economic trends and market volatility.

He stated, "The stockpiles and available resources at Cut 2 will last us for several years." The Cut 3 Project involves expanding the 52-year-old Orapa Mine pit to access previously unreachable resources.

Editor's Comment
Gov't must guard against cadre deployment

As the Botswana National Front (BNF) discusses a policy to place suitably qualified members in strategic positions, the guiding consideration should remain whether an individual is the best person to serve the country. There is nothing wrong with qualified party members applying for public positions. Political affiliation should neither disqualify a capable candidate nor give them an advantage over others. Every Motswana deserves a fair...

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