
Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila
Debswana says the Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines’ Orapa No.1 Plant is to go back into production after a three month maintenance shutdown.
The plant, which is the company’s oldest, was put on temporary shutdown from July 1st, 2013 in order to undertake key refurbishments both safely and promptly; following a review of the plant’s general and structural condition, which highlighted the need to undertake key and intensive maintenance in specific areas of the plant.
“The areas were broadly the Screening building, Tertiary Crushing building and the Dense Medium Separation building.”
“The work has now been completed without any incident, within budget and within schedule and consequently, the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila has approved the mines’ request for the resumption of production at the plant.”
Dr Adrian Gale, the OLDM General Manager has expressed gratitude and commended his entire team, both employees and business partners that pulled together during the shut-down period, highlighting that it was especially pleasing that no safety incidents were recorded during maintenance period.
He further said it is because of this commitment that production loss due to the shut-down has been minimised and that OLDM was now back on track to meet its carat commitments.