OLDM engages with stakeholders
Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) General Manager, Bakani Motlhabani held an engagement session with stakeholders last Wednesday.
The session, which took place at Orapa’s Itekeng Hall, was meant to update stakeholders on the progress of the three Debswana-owned mines as well as their community initiatives and the impact of their activities.
Motlhabani told the packed hall that OLDM employs mostly Batswana, with locals making up 99 percent of the staff contingent.
However, he admitted that the ratio of females-to-males was low.
“We have few women and we are looking to hire more. As Debswana we are inspired by our purpose, guided by our vision and we act in line with our values,” stressed the GM, revealing that OLDM currently employ 2, 973, with just over 20 percent of the workforce made up of women.
In terms of productivity, Motlhabani revealed that OLDM on average produce 12 million carats every year.
He further stressed that at Debswana they take safety extremely seriously.
“We are working towards zero harm through a number of safety initiatives. We now have alcohol testing which has helped us a lot as we have seen a noticeable reduction in alcohol consumption.”
Turning his attention to on-going projects at OLDM, Motlhabani announced they are in the final stages of building a Slimes Dam.
“This will provide capacity for the life of the mine at Orapa and is progressing well. We expect it to be completed by April,” he said.
As for the future, the GM announced plans for a ‘Cut-3’ project, which is hoped will increase the lifespan of Orapa mine way beyond its current projection of 2030.
“The project is to commence in 2023. When a big project is coming we intend to make big plans. It will create more employment and impart skills to the community. There will also be increased business opportunities,” he promised.
Stakeholders who attended the session included Dikgosi, Boteti Sub District Council, Heads of government departments and parastatals and the business community.
The stakeholders were also taken on a tour of the Adrian Gale Diamond Museum, which tells of the history of Botswana’s diamonds and showcases some of the artifacts discovered on the journey.
