De Beers Selects Contractor for Venetia Mine Transformation

De Beers has chosen Murray & Roberts Cementation (M&R) as its contractor of choice in the transformation of its Venetia mine in South Africa, awarding the $245 million contract to convert the open pit diamond mine into an underground operation.

According to M&R group CEO Henry Laas: "This is a flagship project for Murray & Roberts and our local project team has been complimented with project management and operational capacity from our cementation mining companies in Australia and Canada, demonstrating the breadth of capability and experience available in our group.”

The contract with Murray & Roberts includes constructing an entire underground mine, including sinking, equipping and commissioning of a decline shaft and two vertical shafts. It also includes building a horizontal tunnel, loading levels, associated ventilation and ground and water handling infrastructure.

The project is expected to extend the life of the mine until 2042.

“The more advanced Canadian shaft sinking methodology will be utilized for sinking the vertical shafts and Cementation Canada, who is recognized as leaders in applying this methodology, will be providing specialist training of the shaft sinking crews,” says Laas.

"The Canadian shaft-sinking model is designed for all activities in the shaft-sinking production cycle to be undertaken in-line. Although good sinking rates are possible with this methodology, the primary drive in the transition to this methodology is improved safety, as no concurrent shaft sinking activities are required."

The Venetia mine is located in the northeast providence of South Africa. The mine contributes to nearly 40 percent of the country’s annual production, making it the largest producer of diamonds in South Africa.