BACK FROM THE DEAD
The Smart Mining Concept currently being developed by Debswana, ‘Re-imagining Mining through Future Smart Connected Mines’, is expected to be piloted at Damtshaa Diamond Mine in 2023.
The concept will then be rolled out to Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane mines at a later date. The smart mining initiative seeks to reduce the impact of mining activities on the environment and employ the use of renewable, greener energy resources.
Currently at an initial stage of development, the move to precision mining is also expected to maximise profits by lowering production costs.
In an interview with Voice Money, Corporate Affairs Manager at Debswana, Agatha Sejoe, revealed the ‘smart mine’ blueprint has been delivered and is under review. This includes engagements with key stakeholders before final approval.
“Emanating from the focus on developing new transformational business opportunities by leveraging emerging industry trends is precision mining, where a concept study will be undertaken in the coming year to explore new and emerging technological innovation that can assist with the mining and operation of the Debswana marginal operation, Damtshaa Mine. Improvements in emerging technologies present an opportunity for Debswana to re-imagine how to operate Damtshaa, which is currently placed under care and maintenance while viable options are considered regarding how best to profitably operate the mine,” said Sejoe.
The process of precision mining entails drilling straight into the ground to extract diamonds, resulting in minor waste, which will be recycled, meaning no tailings are produced. As well as being environmentally friendly by eliminating water usage, the process is also cost effective.
The smallest of Debswana’s four operating mines, Damtshaa, was reported to be producing lower quality diamonds for a prolonged period of time. It was then placed under under care and maintenance. In its three months of action that year, 666 000 tonnes were mined, of which 332 000 were treated and 55 carats recovered during the waste mining phase.
“Damtshaa mine, where the concept study will be undertaken to assess the viability of new mining methods such as precision, is currently under care and maintenance. The mine is marginal and there is currently a project underway looking at ways to improve the mine operations business case. Exploration of new mining methods employing technological innovation is part of the exercise. Against this backdrop, it is anticipated that new jobs will be created as Damtshaa is put back in operation,” said Sejoe, adding they are yet to determine actual overall job impact of the digitalisation and automation objective on the company’s operations.
Located in Boteti region, Damtshaa Mine was opened in 2003 with a forecast to yield 5 million carats from 39 million tonnes over a 31-year projected life span. In 2020 alone, 201 920 carats were recovered at the mine.