Name of the Project 
Jwaneng underground project (JUP).

Location 
Botswana.

Project Owner/s 
Debswana (50:50 joint venture between De Beers Group and the government of Botswana).

Project Description 
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 no production gap between the end of operations at the Cut 9 open pit (expected in about 2034) and the mine's transition to underground operations.

The JUP is evaluating several technologies, including automated loading and hauling systems, with remote operation capabilities; real-time personnel and equipment tracking; predictive maintenance systems; sophisticated ventilation-on-demand systems; digital twin modelling for operational optimisation; fibre-optic environmental monitoring networks; energy efficiency innovations; and water conservation.

Studies are ongoing to determine steady-state production parameters. Mining methods under consideration include block caving, blast hole open stoping and sublevel caving. 

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 
$6-billion.

Planned Start/End Date 
The development of the first phase of the underground mine is expected to start in 2028, with underground production of the remaining resources planned to start after the Cut 9 pit closes in 2035.

Phase 2 development is envisioned to start in 2036.

Latest Developments 
Development work is progressing on schedule, and Debswana is reported to be 8% ahead of target.

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 Motsomi has said. He has not divulged how much funding the company is seeking.

Meanwhile, Debswana has issued an Invitation to Tender for execution of JUP boxcut civil and mining works. Expressions of interest were due by July 4, 2025, and bid submissions by August 11, 2025.

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.