04 Dec 2014

Majwe Mining Joint Venture recently celebrated its three years of operation combined with a staff award ceremony to honour its employees who have served the company diligently.

The company has been contracted by Jwaneng Mine through the Cut 8 project to mine waste material since 2011 and the project is expected to be completed in 2017.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jwaneng Mine general manager, Mr Albert Milton noted that the Cut 8 project was Jwaneng Mine’s key strategic plan to extend the life of the mine from 2024 to 2031.

He said due to the magnitude and the impact of the project on the Botswana economy, it was important for Debswana and Majwe Mining Joint Venture to work diligently to ensure that it was delivered safely and efficiently.

“The Cut 8 project with its launch in December 2010 was the largest-ever single capital commitment in Botswana’s private sector. The investment of P24 billion includes all project capital, mining fleet capital, sustaining capital and all working costs for a period of over 20 years,” he said.

He further noted that at completion, the project would have mined a total of 658 million tonnes of waste and delivered 92 million tonnes of ore, while the pit would be expected to be 2.4 kilometres long and 1.6 kilometres wide with a depth of 624 metres.

Mr Milton said continued production at Jwaneng mine would enhance revenue turn-up for all stakeholders including the Botswana government.

“With revenue accrued from Debswana, the government has been able to carry out its long term developmental programmes, like physical infrastructure, education, health, housing, human capital development, science and technology name a few,” he said.

Mr Milton further applauded Majwe Mining and its business partners for their positive contribution to the growth of businesses in Jwaneng and surrounding areas.

He also acknowledged the company’s efforts for creating employment as evidenced by the increase in the number of employees from 650 in 2011 to the current 768.

He commended the company for improving the lives of communities within which they operate through a robust Corporate Social Investment programme.

For his part, Majwe Mining Project director, Mr Rod Fraser said even though it was challenging to deliver a large scale project like the Cut 8, it was worth it to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the employees who had invested so much in it.

He said they should be motivated by the fact that the future livelihood of many Batswana depended on the successful delivery of the project.

“This is a large scale contract mining project, and it is the first of its kind in Botswana. 

As you already heard this project is the largest ever single project undertaken by this country and there is no doubt that many in the mining industry, both here and internationally are curious and are watching with interest to see how we perform, to see if we are able to live up to our obligations under the contract.

To see if we can add value to our client’s business and deliver the project on time to the nation and its people,” he said.

He further noted that, despite tight mining schedules and high expectations from stakeholders, they had been able to bring in new mining techniques and systems to the Botswana industry, as well as effective skills transfers to the employees.

Mr Fraser said even though they had encountered some challenges along the way, the three year milestone and award ceremony was intended to celebrate the overcoming of the challenges and look forward to the future. ENDS