Debswana, the diamond stalwart, is buoyant that, once Cut 3 project in Orapa mine is successfully executed, it will ensure the operation is smart connected, coupled with enhanced safety, and improved efficiency, Botswana Guardian is informed.
According to publicly availed information, Cut 3 centres on the deepening and widening of the existing pit, as well as the construction of new infrastructure and facilities to support the increased production. The project is aligned with the Debswana’s 2024 One Dream One Team strategy. “The main objective of the Orapa Cut 3 Project is to optimise long-term value of the Orapa Mine and provide carat production beyond the depletion of the current Cut 2. Orapa pit is an open-cast operation and to get to the diamond-bearing kimberlite rock, one has to remove large amounts of waste rock. This is done through a series of what we call in mining terms 'Cuts'," Senior Corporate Affairs Manager-Brand & Stakeholder Relations, Matshidiso Kamona disclosed this week. As things stand, Cut 2 will last the mine until 2034, while the Cut 3 project will ensure Orapa mine is in operation until the mid-2050s, and possibly beyond.
Aligned with the Debswana 2024 One Dream One Team strategy, the Cut 3 Project falls under the ‘Debswana Tomorrow’ pillar. Central to this pillar is Debswana’s vision for the future, hinging on the successful selection, planning, and execution of major expansion projects. Whilst the diamond mining giant has not revealed the specific financing package for the project, it is highly likely that the funding will be bigger compared to any project ever undertaken since the mine started operation in 1971. Orapa is a conventional open pit mine, situated 240 km west of Francistown. Kamona told Botswana Guardian that, the project, which has been approved to move towards the feasibility stage, is informed by the Debswana Resource Development Plan- a strategic document outlining the management and utilisation of mineral resources.
Previously, mining from Cut 3 was supposed to commence in 2027, but has been pushed back. This, Botswana Guardian understands, has been mainly due to ample stock on Cut 2, as well as markets and economic volatility. The company is buoyant the project will be on stream in 2028. Debswana, like other players are currently experiencing a tough spell on the backdrop of reduced demand for diamonds. Despite the current markets downturn for diamonds, Kamona has told Botswana Guardian that, the project will-in the long term positively impact the livelihoods of Batswana, by among others, ensuring job preservation, revenue creation and shareholder value.
Stakeholder engagement, especially for mining companies such as Debswana, has become key, given the huge impact they have in the country’s socio-economic landscape. As they embark on a major project within Orapa, the company, with over 5500 employees, has put together a dedicated Social Impact team that deals with different stakeholders, be it communities, government or environmental groups.
“Debswana has a defined process of identifying, mapping, and disaggregating stakeholders according to their vulnerabilities, interest, influence, direct and/or indirectly affected by the project. The Orapa Cut 3 Project has a dedicated Social Impact team. The team collaborates with various stakeholders, subject matter experts to undertake engagements with all project stakeholders including local community members. These engagements are scheduled and conducted on a regular basis,” explained Kamona.
"The engagements often assimilate into the existing community engagement platforms such as Kgotla meetings, focus group discussions and others. Likewise, local, and regulatory authorities within the area of influence are engaged through the scheduled district meetings for progress updates on developments. This project is not an isolated Debswana project, therefore the social impact program will remain in place."
Safety consideration for new projects, have also become key for mining houses and Cut 3 is no exception. Debswana, like other mines in the country, operate under a highly regulated environment, spanning different ministries, with safety often emphasised.
Kamona has disclosed that Orapa Cut 3 Project will uphold highest the standard of safety and reinforce the Zero Harm commitment. Some of the critical safety measures that will be in place includes a dedicated team of Safety, Health, Environmental & Occupational Health specialists, Workplace Risk Assessment & Control function which takes all risks into account and provides periodic review and mitigations. According to information gleaned from
Debswana website on Wednesday this week, recent achievements of the Project team include completion of Preparatory Works Phase 2, achieving over 164,000 work hours without a recordable injury, demonstrating Debswana's focus on 'Putting Safety First'.
Kamona stressed that the project mainly falls within the Orapa Mine operations and therefore aligns to all the safety requirements, standards and legal provisions including Mines, Quarries, Works & Machinery Act and Orapa Site Mine Rules and Regulations. For any mining project to take place, there has to be a detailed environmental assessment to be undertaken, as per laws in the country. The Orapa Cut 3 Project studies took into consideration the relevant environmental management requirements and studies were conducted prior to the start of the project.
The reviews are conducted periodically with key stakeholders, culminating in an environmental authorization by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and other associated competent authorities. “The Orapa Cut 3 Project will be executed under the best environmental and social practice which ensures minimal impact and mitigation of all impacts. The project serves to showcase Debswana contribution to sustainable mining,” Kamona stressed.
Cut 3 Project has been incorporated in the current Orapa, Letlhakane & Damtshaa mines Environmental Management and Social Management Plans. According to Kamona, some of the environmental issues and their associated mitigations include; potential increase in energy requirements and consideration and adoption of cleaner technologies and use of renewable energy potential increase in greenhouse gas emissions and consideration for cleaner technologies, air quality measuring and control systems among others.
According to publicly availed information, Cut 3 centres on the deepening and widening of the existing pit, as well as the construction of new infrastructure and facilities to support the increased production. The project is aligned with the Debswana’s 2024 One Dream One Team strategy. “The main objective of the Orapa Cut 3 Project is to optimise long-term value of the Orapa Mine and provide carat production beyond the depletion of the current Cut 2. Orapa pit is an open-cast operation and to get to the diamond-bearing kimberlite rock, one has to remove large amounts of waste rock. This is done through a series of what we call in mining terms 'Cuts'," Senior Corporate Affairs Manager-Brand & Stakeholder Relations, Matshidiso Kamona disclosed this week. As things stand, Cut 2 will last the mine until 2034, while the Cut 3 project will ensure Orapa mine is in operation until the mid-2050s, and possibly beyond.
Aligned with the Debswana 2024 One Dream One Team strategy, the Cut 3 Project falls under the ‘Debswana Tomorrow’ pillar. Central to this pillar is Debswana’s vision for the future, hinging on the successful selection, planning, and execution of major expansion projects. Whilst the diamond mining giant has not revealed the specific financing package for the project, it is highly likely that the funding will be bigger compared to any project ever undertaken since the mine started operation in 1971. Orapa is a conventional open pit mine, situated 240 km west of Francistown. Kamona told Botswana Guardian that, the project, which has been approved to move towards the feasibility stage, is informed by the Debswana Resource Development Plan- a strategic document outlining the management and utilisation of mineral resources.
Previously, mining from Cut 3 was supposed to commence in 2027, but has been pushed back. This, Botswana Guardian understands, has been mainly due to ample stock on Cut 2, as well as markets and economic volatility. The company is buoyant the project will be on stream in 2028. Debswana, like other players are currently experiencing a tough spell on the backdrop of reduced demand for diamonds. Despite the current markets downturn for diamonds, Kamona has told Botswana Guardian that, the project will-in the long term positively impact the livelihoods of Batswana, by among others, ensuring job preservation, revenue creation and shareholder value.
Stakeholder engagement, especially for mining companies such as Debswana, has become key, given the huge impact they have in the country’s socio-economic landscape. As they embark on a major project within Orapa, the company, with over 5500 employees, has put together a dedicated Social Impact team that deals with different stakeholders, be it communities, government or environmental groups.
“Debswana has a defined process of identifying, mapping, and disaggregating stakeholders according to their vulnerabilities, interest, influence, direct and/or indirectly affected by the project. The Orapa Cut 3 Project has a dedicated Social Impact team. The team collaborates with various stakeholders, subject matter experts to undertake engagements with all project stakeholders including local community members. These engagements are scheduled and conducted on a regular basis,” explained Kamona.
"The engagements often assimilate into the existing community engagement platforms such as Kgotla meetings, focus group discussions and others. Likewise, local, and regulatory authorities within the area of influence are engaged through the scheduled district meetings for progress updates on developments. This project is not an isolated Debswana project, therefore the social impact program will remain in place."
Safety consideration for new projects, have also become key for mining houses and Cut 3 is no exception. Debswana, like other mines in the country, operate under a highly regulated environment, spanning different ministries, with safety often emphasised.
Kamona has disclosed that Orapa Cut 3 Project will uphold highest the standard of safety and reinforce the Zero Harm commitment. Some of the critical safety measures that will be in place includes a dedicated team of Safety, Health, Environmental & Occupational Health specialists, Workplace Risk Assessment & Control function which takes all risks into account and provides periodic review and mitigations. According to information gleaned from
Debswana website on Wednesday this week, recent achievements of the Project team include completion of Preparatory Works Phase 2, achieving over 164,000 work hours without a recordable injury, demonstrating Debswana's focus on 'Putting Safety First'.
Kamona stressed that the project mainly falls within the Orapa Mine operations and therefore aligns to all the safety requirements, standards and legal provisions including Mines, Quarries, Works & Machinery Act and Orapa Site Mine Rules and Regulations. For any mining project to take place, there has to be a detailed environmental assessment to be undertaken, as per laws in the country. The Orapa Cut 3 Project studies took into consideration the relevant environmental management requirements and studies were conducted prior to the start of the project.
The reviews are conducted periodically with key stakeholders, culminating in an environmental authorization by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and other associated competent authorities. “The Orapa Cut 3 Project will be executed under the best environmental and social practice which ensures minimal impact and mitigation of all impacts. The project serves to showcase Debswana contribution to sustainable mining,” Kamona stressed.
Cut 3 Project has been incorporated in the current Orapa, Letlhakane & Damtshaa mines Environmental Management and Social Management Plans. According to Kamona, some of the environmental issues and their associated mitigations include; potential increase in energy requirements and consideration and adoption of cleaner technologies and use of renewable energy potential increase in greenhouse gas emissions and consideration for cleaner technologies, air quality measuring and control systems among others.
