Mmegi

Work starts on Jwaneng underground

Going under: Jwaneng Mine accounts for about 70% of Debswana’s profits and distributions PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Going under: Jwaneng Mine accounts for about 70% of Debswana’s profits and distributions PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

De Beers and government have approved a $1 billion (P13.6 billion) budget to kickstart underground activities at the Jwaneng pit, the country’s single richest diamond mine contributing up to 70% of Debswana’s profits.

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.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

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...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up