Minister Kenewendo Tours Lucara Diamond Mine in Deep-Level Operational Visit

Minister Kenewendo Tours Lucara Diamond Mine in Deep-Level Operational Visit. Lucara Diamond Mine provided a rare glimpse into its deep-level operations during a visit by Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, who toured both the underground shafts and surface mining areas. The visit, led by Lucara Managing Director Nassim Lahri, offered a firsthand look at the technical processes behind one of Botswana’s most significant diamond operations.

The tour began with a descent of more than 700 metres into the mine’s underground section, an area typically accessed only by operational staff. Transported via a cage lift, the delegation entered a highly engineered environment where mining teams work within kimberlite formations that host diamond deposits. According to officials, the underground tunnels are designed and maintained through precision drilling and controlled blasting guided by geological modelling.

The Minister also visited the open-pit operations, where surface mining activities continue alongside the underground work. The dual-operation structure forms part of Lucara’s broader strategy to maximise ore recovery and sustain long-term production.

Kenewendo noted that observing the processes up close provided a clearer understanding of the technical effort required to bring diamonds from deep below the earth’s surface to global markets. She said the visit highlighted the scale of work involved in maintaining one of Botswana’s key mineral assets and reinforced the mine’s role within the national economy.

Lahri added that the timing of the visit offered an opportunity to demonstrate both the operational environment and the safety protocols used in deep mining. She emphasised that the mine’s activities continue to contribute to Botswana’s economic performance and long-term development goals.

The engagement formed part of ongoing interactions between the Ministry and mining operators, aimed at strengthening understanding of extraction processes, operational challenges, and the economic impact of major mining assets. Lucara remains one of the notable contributors within Botswana’s mining sector, operating a mine known for producing high-value diamonds and complex underground developments.