Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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Lucara Diamond Corp. has announced a strategic shift in the management of its Karowe underground project (UGP) in Botswana. Effective 31 March 2025, Lucara will terminate its Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management contract with JDS Energy & Mining Inc. and transition to owner-managed operations for all site-based contracts and activities.
To ensure continuity, Lucara has signed a Master Service Agreement with JDS to complete specific engineering components of the project. This decision is part of the Company’s broader strategy to enhance project execution and maximise shareholder value.
The move to owner-managed operations is expected to enhance cost control, improve flexibility in decision-making, provide direct oversight of critical milestones and leverage Lucara’s in-house expertise and deep knowledge of the Karowe mine.
The UGP continues to advance significantly, with the production shaft reaching over 720 meters below the surface and the ventilation shaft extending beyond 680 meters. Progress on the production man and materials winder building is well underway, with the majority of required surface infrastructure already in place, including the installation of permanent bulk air coolers and other critical components. These developments position the project for continued success under its new management structure.
Lucara’s Chief Executive Officer and President William Lamb, noted the advantages of this transition, “We are confident that this strategic shift will allow us to better leverage our team’s deep understanding of the Karowe mine and its unique characteristics. By taking direct control of site-based activities, we can respond more rapidly to project needs and challenges. This approach will enable us to drive the UGP forward with greater efficiency and precision, ultimately delivering enhanced value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”
