Thiess, one of the world’s largest mining services provider, announced that its Majwe Mining Joint Venture (Majwe), has secured a A$1.7 billion contract at Debswana Diamond Company’s Jwaneng Mine Cut 9 project in Botswana.

Majwe is a joint venture between Thiess (70%) and long-term local partner Bothakga Burrow Botswana (30%). Under the new contract it will provide “full scope mining services” over a period of nine years. The services envisaged under the contract include drill and on-bench services, mine planning, equipment maintenance, load and haul, and mining operations.

“This new volume-based contract follows Majwe’s successful completion of the Cut 8 project at the diamond mine in November 2018,” Thiess stated.

CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Wright said: “This new contract strengthens Thiess’ presence in Botswana and builds on our operational and technical teams’ solid performance at Jwaneng since 2011.

“The relationship developed between Majwe and client Debswana Diamond Company, owned by the Botswana Government and De Beers, is a testament to all involved with the project.”

CIMIC Group Mining and Minerals Executive and Thiess Managing Director, Douglas Thompson, said: “I am pleased to be extending our long-term relationship with Debswana Diamond Company and Majwe, delivering scalable and innovative solutions that are tailored to our client’s production and expansion needs.

“This contract extends our compliance with Botswana’s Citizen Economic Empowerment Policy and to delivering sustainable mining.”

Jwaneng is said to be the richest diamond mine in the world by value and produces more than 10 Mct of diamonds every year.

The latest Cut-8 project increase the depth of the mine from 400 m to 650 m, thus extending its life till 2024. The Cut-9 project is expected to further extend the life of the mine to 2034.

Pic Cap: Jwaneng Mine

Pic Courtesy: Debswana