Modern Mining September 2023

DIAMONDS

Venetia Underground Project.

De Beers delivers first production from VUP

The $2.3 billion investment to take South Africa’s leading dia mond mine underground bolsters De Beers’ global produc tion and will benefit the South African economy and host communities until at least 2045.

D e Beers Group has celebrated a key mile stone with the delivery of first production from underground operations at its Venetia Mine in Limpopo, South Africa. The overall construc tion of the underground mine is now 70 per cent complete, with construction and production ramp-up continuing over the next few years. Venetia Mine, South Africa’s leading diamond mine, ceased open pit mining operations in December 2022 after 30 years of production from the Tier 1 asset. De Beers embarked on the $2.3 billion under ground expansion in 2012, in what represents the biggest single investment in the country’s diamond mining industry in decades. The highly mechanised underground operation will deliver up to seven mil lion tonnes of kimberlite ore per year to produce ~4 million carats of diamonds annually. Moses Madondo, Managing Director of De Beers Group Managed Operations, said: “The investment in taking the world class Venetia Mine underground enhances De Beers Group’s global production for the long term and is an indication of our commitment to South Africa. Our incredible team of employees and contracting partners have pulled together fan tastically to achieve this major milestone of first production from the underground operation. We look forward to seeing this high performing team continue the good work as we ramp up production over the next few years, bringing profound benefits to our workforce, our host communities, commercial partners and South Africa as a whole.” The underground project currently employs 4 300 people, mostly from the host communities of Musina and Blouberg Municipalities. De Beers com missioned a $10.5 million training centre in June 2021 as part of its operational readiness framework

De Beers mines first production from VUP.

to enhance the transfor mation of people, processes

VUP Located in the Limpopo Province on the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana, the Venetia mine has been in operation since 1992 and cel ebrates 30 years of delivering top quality, high value precious stones. The mine contributes 40% of the country’s annual diamond production. and systems for the successful transition from open pit to underground mining. To date, a total of 180 employees have successfully transitioned to under ground operations without any job losses for Venetia Mine’s permanent employees. 

September 2023  MODERN MINING  17