Letlhakane Modular Tailings soon to be commissioned

Debswana’s Letlhakane Modular Tailings plant is expected to be commissioned by end of second quarter 2017.

The development which will cost a total of P2.1billion, begun construction in the first quarter of 2015 and will produce up to 800,000 carats per annum.
Debswana’s Managing Director Balisi Bonyongo says the project has the potential to

extend the operations for another 20 years. “We are determined to make the right decisions and we will defend the 500 jobs that are in Letlhakane area.”
On the other hand, the Jwaneng Cut 8 waste stripping project is scheduled to be complete by 2018.

“First ore plant is expected in half year 2017 and the project will extend the life of the mine by four years. By end of this year or early next year we should have completely closed the Cut 8,” says Bonyongo.

The Cut 8 project involves the widening and deepening of the existing Jwaneng pit as a short-term alternative to going underground.

A total of 500 million tonnes will be stripped from this project. The Project commenced in 2010. Bonyongo says this is a very expensive business. Majwe Mining, Komatsu, Caterpillar amongst others, have worked with Debswana to prepare everything for the project.

Meanwhile, studies are currently underway to evaluate options for extending the life of the Debswana mines beyond the existing open pit operations. This will ensure long term sustainability up to 2050 and beyond.

Bonyongo said they are currently in study mode for post cut 8 and post cut 2. “They are at an advanced stage. We will share once fully done.
There will be a post Cut 2 and 8 solutions for these cuts,” he said without going into details.