The Jwaneng Underground Project (JUP), a multi-billion-pula undertaking aimed at extending the life of the world’s richest diamond mine by value, has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 10,000 metres (10 kilometres) of underground lateral development since work commenced in May 2024.
With an estimated overall project cost of US$6 billion, the Jwaneng Underground Project began its initial development activities in May 2024, following the approval of an investment of approximately US$1 billion (BWP 13.6 billion) by the De Beers Board in January 2024. This investment kick-started the Exploration Access Development Phase, marking a major step towards extending the life of the iconic diamond mine beyond 2034.
The scope of this phase includes establishing a drilling platform to facilitate comprehensive sampling of the kimberlite pipes, developing an early-access decline for the underground mine, and constructing essential infrastructure to support subsequent stages of the project.
The development programme involves establishing three portals and exploration access declines within the existing open pit, alongside the development of two additional declines and a primary ventilation shaft.
In October 2026, the project reached the significant 10,000-metre milestone, demonstrating continued progress towards establishing the infrastructure required to support Jwaneng Mine’s next chapter.
Beyond the metres achieved, this milestone represents the collective effort, technical expertise and dedication of the JUP team and its contracting partner, Redpath. Their work is laying the foundation for underground exploration and advancing the technical studies that will inform future mining decisions.
The lateral development forms a critical component of the project’s Exploration Access Development Phase, providing access to the orebody for further investigation and evaluation. The information gathered through this work will contribute to resource assessments and help guide decisions regarding the mine’s potential future underground development.
The achievement also highlights the importance of collaboration, skills development and knowledge transfer in delivering a project of this scale and complexity. As development progresses, the experience gained by employees and project teams will help build the capabilities required for underground mining while strengthening local technical expertise.
At the heart of this achievement are the people making progress possible. Through teamwork, disciplined planning, technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to safety, the teams continue to advance a project that is central to Jwaneng Mine’s long-term future.
