Name of the Project
Jwaneng underground project (JUP).

Location
Botswana.

Project Owner/s
Debswana, the 50:50 diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the government of Botswana.

Project Description
The project entails the development a modern underground mine anchored in Debswana’s One Dream, One Team strategic pillar, which focuses on safety, environmental responsibility, skilled-workforce development, sustainable communities, innovation and technology, as well as high-efficiency processes.

The mine will be strategically developed to ensure there is no production gap between the end of operations at the Cut 9 openpit and the mine’s transition to underground operations.

The JUP is evaluating various technologies – such as autonomous machinery, digital twinning, three-dimensional mapping and augmented reality – to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability, thereby positioning the mine as a future-proofed, smart connected mine.

Studies are under way to determine the parameters within which steady-state production performance will operate.

Potential Job Creation
The project will contribute to local infrastructure development, employment creation and technological advancement, thereby enhancing workforce skills.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
About $1-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The first phase of the underground mine, expected to start in 2027, will focus on extracting resources remaining after the Cut 9 pit closes, while Phase 2, envisioned to start in the mid-2030s, will extend the mine’s life by about ten years from the end of the Phase 1 underground mine.

Latest Developments
The JUP recently reached a major milestone with the successful completion of a Geotechnical Review Board (GRB) audit. This audit brought together key stakeholders from Debswana’s leadership and operations, along with independent experts, to assess the project’s progress and provide valuable insights.

The audit focused on evaluating the progress of the exploration access decline and technical studies for JUP’s prefeasibility study B. The GRB team conducted comprehensive site visits, closely examining key locations to assess the quality of work and advancements made.

During their visit, the team praised the high standard of work being conducted and acknowledged the extensive efforts made by Jwaneng mine in advancing underground mining operations. Their positive feedback underscored the project’s commitment to excellence and adherence to best practices.

Beyond their commendations, the GRB team offered constructive recommendations to enhance project efficiency, particularly in integration, feedback mechanisms and data management. These improvements are expected to optimise operations and support continued progress.

Successfully completing the GRB audit marks a significant step for JUP, reinforcing its potential to set a benchmark for innovative and sustainable mining. The collaboration between Debswana’s leadership, operational teams and independent experts highlights the value of rigorous oversight and continuous improvement in driving project success.

Moving forward, the insights from the GRB audit will play a key role in shaping the project's strategy and ensuring it stays on course to achieve its objectives.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
De Beers Group press office, tel +44 20 7430 3434 or email pressoffice@debeersgroup.com.