Work starts on Jwaneng underground
Friday, January 12, 2024 | 990 Views |
Going under: Jwaneng Mine accounts for about 70% of Debswana’s profits and distributions PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
With a total budget estimated at $6 billion, the underground mine at Jwaneng will be the country’s single biggest project ever by value and, according to Debswana, will create the world’s largest underground diamond operation.
On Wednesday, Debswana officials said the company’s board had approved P13.6 billion to commence the early access development phase from May. The early access phase will be undertaken by a contractor.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...