Jwaneng braces for Cut 8's impact

The mammoth project involves the stripping away of 713 million tonnes of waste between 2010 and 2016 to expose an additional 75 million tonnes of kimberlite, extending Jwaneng Mine's lifespan by seven years. In recent weeks, scores of contract workers, mainly expatriate, have descended on Jwaneng, shifting focus to the project's impact on the mining town's social and economic spheres.

Last week, a meeting of Cut 8 project team leaders and civic leaders highlighted the various positive and negative aspects the pit expansion has brought to Jwaneng. While Cut 8's benefits to Jwaneng's economy are not in doubt, concerns have been raised over the town's capacity to handle the swelling population and impact of this on the community.