Miners fear machines are taking over at Debswana

Debswana has more than 5,000 workers with a large number of these engaged in actual mining operations which could be affected by the greater roll-out of mechanisation.

In the first week of January, Debswana cancelled a P15.7 billion contract to expand Jwaneng Mine, saying it would do the work in-house. Mineworkers however said the move is linked to plans by the diamond giant to mechanise its mining methods for the new area to be mined in the expanded Jwaneng Mine.