Modern Mining September 2024

Karowe mine is preparing for the mine to transition from open pit to underground mining.

services supply quality as well improved re-entry times through continuous gas monitoring – to name only a few examples. Comprehensive video overview of all shaft operations has also assisted greatly with analysis as well as interrogation and learning when things have not gone to plan.” Lombard adds that a major contributor to the turnaround was the alignment between the expat and local workforce regarding the project objectives, shift cycles and times to enable teams to work together more effectively, and ensuring that the workforce skill and capacity was sufficient for the workload. “We hold regular workshops to reinforce communication, quality and safety. There is a very strong drive on health and safety, and we focus on minute details to prevent any serious incidents. The results speak for themselves, and we are proud to have maintained a world-leading safety record of three and a half years without a serious safety incident on this project,” says Lombard. “UMS is not just a contractor doing the sinking and construction for this prestigious project. We have significant internal project, design and engineering capabilities that help us effectively deal with any required changes in an integrated, seamless manner to provide the solutions quickly.” Lucara’s Neels Wolmarans, Karowe Underground Project Manager, says the project was confronted with major challenges which were overcome by a dedicated project team. “Overall, the project reflects positively against the baseline schedule. Progress has improved due to a cohesive team and clear understanding of the work output required. “As the project moves through the sinking phase, the lateral development, which is integral to reaching the ore body, is

receiving the required attention to ensure safe and effective execution. Risk identification and controls play a major part in the project as it moves into different phases, and change management requires a strong and firm structure. At Lucara we believe in a positive work approach as a team to prosper in our work delivered.” “We promote a culture of collaboration and work as a team with the Karowe Mine personnel, the EPCM team, suppliers and other stakeholders. The value of working as a team is evident in the way the sinking project has been and is currently performing and the significant gains that are being made at this point,” concludes Glover. The next phase following shaft sinking will be to equip the production shaft with the shaft steelwork, pipes and cables, rock skips and personnel/material conveyance.  The shaft sinking development work spearheaded by UMS marks a pivotal juncture in Lucara’s strategy.

SEPTEMBER 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  7