Karowe expansion to gobble a billion

Capital cost estimates for the underground expansion for Karowe Mine are expected to hit 105 million Canadian dollars (approximately one billion pula), this year. Lucara Diamonds has revealed in its first quarter results.

According to the company, this year’s program will focus predominantly on shaft sinking and grouting activities, construction of the bulk air cooler, tendering of the underground development contract and underground equipment purchases.

“Ramp-up to planned sinking rates for the ventilation shaft continues and additional cover grouting events are expected for both shafts in 2023 and 2024,” said Lucara’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Eira Thomas.

Thomas said the Karowe underground expansion is expected to extend the mine life to at least 2040.

So far, a total of 30.5 million Canadian dollars (approximately 304.72 million pula) was spent on the Karowe underground development, during the first quarter of the year, primarily in relation to ongoing construction activities. Meanwhile, a 11kV transmission line to the project site was commissioned in mid-January 2023, representing a significant milestone for the Karowe UGP as it is now fully powered through grid-supplied electricity.

Thomas said transition of the temporary power supply to a back-up power configuration, a back-up power will continue to be provided by diesel generators.

The bulk power supply upgrade is expected to connect all mine power requirements to the new Karowe Substation and 132kV power line.

“This upgrade is expected to deliver stable and dedicated power to the Karowe Mine operations,” said Thomas.