Karowe Begins Production

The mine is ramping up to its full production capacity of 350 tons per hour, which it is expected to reach at the end of the second quarter. During May, production will be running with a target of 50 percent, increasing to 75 percent in June.

More than 10,000 carats of diamonds were recovered from 28,000 tons of ore processed during April. 

Lucara held an official Karowe diamond launch in Gaborone on May 3. Guests at the event included Dr. P. H. K Kedikelwe, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water resources, key government officials, Botswana industry leaders and diamantaires from Botswana who will participate in the sale of Karowe diamonds.

Viewing for the first sale of Karowe diamonds will be held in Gaborone during the first week of June, followed by an online auction of up to 40,000 carats on June 1.

“Excellent progress continues to be made at Karowe. The attendance at the diamond launch in Gaborone was evidence of a strong diamond market and a keen interest in the quality goods which Karowe will be producing,” said Lucara’s president and CEO, William Lamb. “Our focus will remain on the ramp-up activities which will culminate in sustainable operations at design capacity by the end of the quarter and the first cash flow from Karowe.”

Alongside the 100-percent owned Karowe mine, Lucara is also the 75-percent owner of the Motha Project in Lesotho, which is currently in the trial mining stage.