Karowe makes huge underground expansion strides

Baitshepi Sekgweng
LUCARA CORP CEO: Eira Thomas (

The multi million pula Karowe diamond mine underground expansion project(KUGP) continues to make some positive strides with some significant milestones achieved as the project slowly moves closer to completion with regards to the ongoing construction.

In the three months period (October-December 2022), the project realised successful delivery of the 29km 132kv bulk power supply power line including the Letlhakane and Karowe substations which were energized and handed over to Botswana Power Corporation.

Further, the 11kv transmission line to the project site was commissioned in mid January 2023, a major achievement which now means the project is now fully powered through grid supplied electricity.

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However, backup power will continue to be provided by diesel powered generators.

The procurement of shaft station underground mobile equipment was initiated with deliveries expected to commence in this current quarter of 2023 while a tender for underground mine bulk air cooler and shaft cooling tender was awarded.

As a result, this brought the Karowe UGP spending for 2022 to a hefty $106 million therefore bringing the total investment to $226.1 million ever since the projected commenced.

The estimated capital cost for the Karowe UGP is $547 million and is expected to contribute approximately $4 billion in additional revenues once operational.

Expected to extend the mine lifespan to at least 2040, mine ramp is expected in 2026 with full production set to be achieved in the second half of the same year.

“We achieved a number of important milestones including the completion of all pre-sinking activities on schedule and budget. The execution of a main shaft sinking contract, the commencement of main shaft sinking and the completion of a new power line on schedule and budget. Most importantly we commenced our first grouting phase in the production shaft in December which was successfully completed in February 2023 therefore confirming that our planned approach and methodology is effective.

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The impact of delays and a slower than anticipated ramp up in shaft sinking cycle times together with experience gained from our first grouting program will be incorporated into a refreshed schedule and budget which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023,” highlighted Lucara Diamond Corp President and Chief Executive Officer, Eira Thomas.

However, as construction continues into the first quarter of 2023, activities which are on the horizon include; sinking and grouting within both the ventilation and production shafts, procurement of underground equipment including dewatering pumps and underground crush and convey systems, development of a request for proposal for the underground lateral development work, continuation of detailed design and engineering of the underground mine infrastructure and layout and transition of the temporary power supply to a back up power configuration.

The stage two of the bulk power supply upgrade to connect all mine power requirements to the new Karowe substation and 132kV power line will conclude the activities of this quarter.

Karowe diamond mine is 100% owned by Lucara Diamond Corporation and is well known for unearthing big gem stones such as Sewelo and Lesedi La Rona.

Currently at an output of 2.5-2.8 million carats per annum, the open pit is expected to terminate in mid 2026, paving way for the new underground operations .

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