Debswana’s Executive Head of Technology and Technical Services, Bakani Motlhabani, highlighted the significance of the Jwaneng Underground Mine during his participation in a panel discussion on diamonds at the African Mining Summit. Motlhabani stated that the mine has the potential to become the largest underground mine not only in Botswana or Southern Africa but also in the world.
Motlhabani also emphasized the importance of digital integration in creating a digitally safe mine. This suggests that the Jwaneng Underground Mine will incorporate advanced technologies and digital systems to enhance safety measures and operational efficiency.
The ongoing Cut-9 project, which started in 2019, is expected to reach its bottleneck in 2027, two years before the completion of ore production at Cut 8. The Jwaneng Cut 9 Project aims to extend the mine’s lifespan until 2035, with approximately 80% of plant ore feed expected from 2029.
At present, the mining of waste at Cut-9 is underway, with Naledi Mining Services overseeing the project since the beginning of 2023. The underground development phase, including tunnel development and mining of waste, is scheduled to commence in 2024. The production of ore is projected to begin in 2030.
By transitioning to underground mining and leveraging digital technologies, the Jwaneng Mine aims to solidify its position as a major player in the global mining industry while ensuring sustainable operations and maximizing economic returns.
