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
Despite the downturn in the global diamond market since the second half of 2023, Debswana is pressing ahead with its plan to prolong the life span of its flagship Jwaneng mine to 2054 by converting it into an underground operation.

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 $6-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
Debswana is looking to international capital markets to help fund the underground project, as dwindling revenues have limited its ability to finance capital projects.

It has previously financed its capital projects mostly from funds generated in house or capital injection from shareholders.

The company is working on acquiring an international credit rating to access capital markets, Debswana MD Andrew Motsomihas said. He has not divulged how much funding the company is seeking.

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.