08 Sep 2014

Botswana’s latest and first underground diamond mine, Ghaghoo is set to benefit the local communities.

The Ghaghoo mine which was officially opened by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has established a trust fund, which includes two trustees from communities of Kaudwane and Lephephe.

The first funds had been injected into the trust, which has commissioned various projects during the first half of 2014.

Giving an overview of the mine, chairman of Gem Diamonds which owns the mine, Mr Clifford Elphick said although they met huge challenges they were pleased that the infrastructure was working.

He said they met challenges such as capital scarcity since the mine was acquired from Gope Exploration Company from De Beers in 2007 and at the time of global financial crisis. 

Because of financial constraints, Mr Elphick said as a company they had to be innovative and rational capital and think differently to start the project. This, Mr Elphick said meant that the mine was then to be built in phases and at reduced costs.

Mr Elphick also said that because the ore body lied under 80 meter sand of Kalahari, they found a way to access the ore body using techniques and methods at cost which had proved to be practical. This, he said, would open other opportunities in the country, and probably in Angola. 

Building a mine in a sensitive area especially a renowned nature reserve area and an area where nomadic people lived, posed additional challenges and responsibilities for the company, he said. Furthermore, he said their mission in building this mine was to minimise the disruption of land, people and wildlife. 

He said they managed to contain their footprint and play a positive role as the country, the area and the people are concerned. And, for the development of the Ghaghoo mine, Mr Elphick said they continued to protect the environment and maintain excellent relationships with the communities.

In their social responsibility initiatives, Mr Elphick noted that Ghaghoo mine has adopted Kaudwane primary school and commenced with the upgrade and maintenance of the school’s ablution block. The mine has also established a vegetable garden in Lephephe primary school, noted Mr Elphick. 

They also erected shade netting and installed irrigation as well as providing an agricultural specialist to assist the school with successful management of the garden. The garden, Mr Elphick said is expected to provide Ghaghoo mine with fresh produce to ensure sustainability of the garden. 

Mr Elphick further said Ghaghoo mine has assisted the community of Lephephe by upgrading a landfill site used by various communities as well as Ghaghoo. 

He further explained that Ghaghoo mine has assisted with the maintenance of the access road to the site and perimeter fence. 

He said that the mine was working on a design for waste separation cells that would enable the site to recycle waste. ENDS