Project OverviewLucara’s 100%-owned Karowe Diamond Mine, located in Botswana, has been in production since 2012 and is one of worlds’ foremost producers of large, Type IIA diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats. The 2.6 Mt/a open pit mine and processing plant produces approximately 380,000 carats/annum of gem quality (including Type IIa) diamonds which are sold through regularly scheduled tenders throughout the year. The main diamond pipe continues below the ultimate open pit depth and is a prime target for underground (UG) mining.
Lucara’s 100%-owned Karowe Diamond Mine, located in Botswana, has been in production since 2012 and is one of worlds’ foremost producers of large, Type IIA diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats. The 2.6 Mt/a open pit mine and processing plant produces approximately 380,000 carats/annum of gem quality (including Type IIa) diamonds which are sold through regularly scheduled tenders throughout the year. The main diamond pipe continues below the ultimate open pit depth and is a prime target for underground (UG) mining.
Project ScopeJDS was retained by Lucara to do a review of the UG Preliminary Feasibility Study that was underway in 2018. JDS suggested several material improvements to the UGPFS study and JDS were subsequently retained to lead the 2019 UG Feasibility Study (UGFS). JDS completed the FS in 10 months, under budget and with significantly better economics than the UGPFS by de-risking, 3simplifying and optimizing the UG mining method, the overall production profile and diamond release.
Upon completion of the UGFS, Lucara awarded (sole-sourced) JDS to lead with the EPCM work for the construction of the UG mine including permitting assistance, new power line, surface infrastructure, two +750 m deep shafts, 15 km of lateral development and UG infrastructure.
The total construction budget for the UG project is US$500M over a 5-year mine development and ramp-up period. Detailed engineering is complete, procurement is underway and shaft development starts mid-2020.
JDS was retained by Lucara to do a review of the UG Preliminary Feasibility Study that was underway in 2018. JDS suggested several material improvements to the UGPFS study and JDS were subsequently retained to lead the 2019 UG Feasibility Study (UGFS). JDS completed the FS in 10 months, under budget and with significantly better economics than the UGPFS by de-risking, 3simplifying and optimizing the UG mining method, the overall production profile and diamond release.
Upon completion of the UGFS, Lucara awarded (sole-sourced) JDS to lead with the EPCM work for the construction of the UG mine including permitting assistance, new power line, surface infrastructure, two +750 m deep shafts, 15 km of lateral development and UG infrastructure.
The total construction budget for the UG project is US$500M over a 5-year mine development and ramp-up period. Detailed engineering is complete, procurement is underway and shaft development starts mid-2020.
