ABB has provided a unique hoisting solution to the Karowe diamond mine expansion project in Botswana. Owned by Lucara Diamond Corporation (part of the Lundin Group of Companies) through its subsidiary Lucara Botswana (Pty) Ltd, the state-of-the-art mine has been operational since 2012 and produces large, high-quality, Type IIA diamonds in excess of 10.8 carats. The expansion project is designed to extend the mine’s life by more than 12 years, to at least 2040.
To expand existing operations to increase the life of mine, it was decided to sink two shafts, a ventilation and production shaft. The production shaft will accommodate hoisting production with a production hoist supported by a service hoist. ABB’s expert hoisting team collaborated with both a Canadian and a South African engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the project.
“Throughout the project life cycle, we have supported the team to identify the best solution,” explains Danielle Koekemoer, Local Sales Manager, Hoisting at ABB Process Industries. “As a leader and expert in the industry, we are committed to helping partners achieve their ambitions efficiently and effectively.”
As the first part of the project, ABB’s team of experts determined the best way to use the existing fleet of hoists and how to refurbish them.
The refurbished equipment included two kibble hoists, two sets of stage hoists, and auxiliary equipment. All four of the refurbished hoists were provided from the hoist compliment owned by the UMS Group and refurbished under the guidance of ABB by local sub-contractor companies.
At present, the shafts are being sunk with the refurbished hoists. The kibble hoist used to sink the production shaft will be used as the permanent production hoist after the shaft sinking is complete.
After the successful completion the first part of the project, ABB was awarded a second contract in excess of ZAR130 million to supply a new auxiliary hoist and service hoist, which will be used for the transportation of personnel and material to the underground works. Both hoists are being installed by the UMS Group under the direction of ABB.
“Our collaboration with customers begins before they have even procured the equipment to ensure the final solution is right for their needs and cost-effective,” says Mike Davis, Global Product Manager, Hoisting at ABB Process Industries.