JOHN MB MOKOENA

LUCARA BOTSWANA ATTACHEE

FEBRUARY REPORT
05 MARCH 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................3
2. KAROWE DIAMOND MINE INDUCTION......................................................................4
a. SHE INDUCTION..................................................................................................................4
b. SECURITY INDUCTION.....................................................................................................4
3. DIAMOND MINING PROCESS ANALYSIS.....................................................................6
a. ROM Section (Running of mining).......................................................................................6
a. Mill Section.............................................................................................................................7
b. XRT Section............................................................................................................................7
c. DMS (Dense Media Separation) and Recovery...................................................................7
d. Thickener and Tailings..........................................................................................................8
4. CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................9
ABSTRACT

Lucara Diamond Corp. is a Canadian diamond mining company that is best known for its high-
value diamond discoveries in Botswana. The company's flagship operation is the Karowe Mine,
which is one of the world's most prolific producers of large, high-quality diamonds.
The Lucara diamond process involves a combination of advanced technologies and techniques to
recover diamonds from the ore. The process begins with the extraction of ore from the open pit
mine, which is then crushed and sent to the processing plant.
At the processing plant, the ore is subjected to a series of processes, including scrubbing,
screening, and dense media separation, which separates the diamonds from the waste rock. The
diamonds are then sorted by size and quality using X-ray transmission technology, which is able
to identify and separate diamonds based on their unique atomic structure.
Lucara Diamond Corp. is also known for its use of innovative technologies in the diamond
recovery process. For example, the company uses large-scale X-ray fluorescence technology to
detect diamonds that may be missed by conventional screening methods. The company has also
developed an innovative diamond sorting platform, known as the Tomra XRT system, which is
able to identify and recover diamonds based on their unique physical properties.
Overall, the Lucara diamond process is a complex and highly advanced system that leverages
cutting-edge technologies to maximize the recovery of high-value diamonds from the ore. The
company's commitment to innovation and sustainability has helped to establish it as a leader in
the diamond mining industry.
 1. INTRODUCTION

Lucara Botswana is a mining company headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. The company is

primarily engaged in the exploration, development, and production of high-value diamonds.
Lucara Botswana is a subsidiary of Lucara Diamond Corp, a publicly traded diamond
exploration and mining company based in Vancouver, Canada.
Lucara Botswana's flagship operation is the Karowe mine, which is located in the central part of
Botswana. The mine is one of the world's most prolific producers of large, high-value diamonds,
including the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, which was the second-largest diamond ever
recovered. The Karowe mine has a state-of-the-art processing plant that uses advanced
technology to recover large diamonds while minimizing damage to the stones.
Lucara Botswana is committed to sustainable mining practices and has implemented various
initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of renewable energy sources and
minimizing water usage. The company also supports local communities through various social
and economic development programs.
Overall, Lucara Botswana is a leading player in the diamond mining industry, known for its
high-quality production and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
 2. KAROWE DIAMOND MINE INDUCTION

Lucara Botswana has two important inductions every employee and visitor is required to go
through before they begin their respective duties within the mine. These inductions are the SHE
(Safety, Health and Environment) and Security Inductions.

a. SHE INDUCTION

SHE stands for Safety, Health, and Environment. An induction is a process of introducing new
employees to the workplace, its policies, procedures, and rules. In the context of a diamond
mine, SHE induction refers to the process of introducing new employees to the safety, health,
and environmental standards and protocols of the mine.
SHE induction is a critical part of any diamond mine's safety program as it ensures that all
employees understand the safety procedures, including emergency response plans, accident
reporting, and evacuation protocols. It also provides employees with information on how to
identify and manage hazards, including potential environmental impacts, in their workplace.
The SHE induction process typically includes training sessions, safety drills, and hands-on
practice with safety equipment. This process helps employees develop an understanding of the
risks associated with working in a diamond mine, as well as the importance of maintaining high
safety, health, and environmental standards.
In summary, the SHE induction of a diamond mine is a vital process that ensures that all
employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and responsibly
in the mine's environment

b. SECURITY INDUCTION

Security induction is an important aspect of working at a diamond mine. The induction program
is designed to educate employees about the mine's security policies and procedures and to ensure
that they understand the importance of adhering to them. The following are the key elements of a
security induction program at a diamond mine:
Access control: Employees are informed about the importance of access control and the
procedures for gaining access to the mine. This includes the use of identification cards, security
checkpoints, and security personnel.
Perimeter security: Employees are taught about the importance of perimeter security and the
measures in place to protect the mine from external threats. This includes the use of fences,
barriers, and surveillance cameras.
Surveillance: Employees are informed about the surveillance systems in place to monitor
activities within the mine. This includes closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, motion
sensors, and alarms.
Emergency procedures: Employees are trained on the mine's emergency procedures, including
evacuation procedures, first aid procedures, and emergency response plans.
Personal safety and security: Employees are educated on the importance of personal safety and
security, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety
glasses, and safety shoes.
Security awareness: Employees are taught to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or
behaviors. They are also educated on the importance of maintaining a culture of security
awareness within the mine.
Cybersecurity: Employees are informed about the risks of cyber threats and the measures in
place to protect the mine's digital assets, including the use of firewalls, antivirus software, and
security protocols.
The security induction program is typically delivered by the mine's security team or a designated
training officer. The program may be delivered through classroom sessions, online modules, or a
combination of both. Employees are required to complete the induction program before starting
work at the mine.
In conclusion, security induction is an essential part of working at a diamond mine. By educating
employees on security policies and procedures, and creating a culture of security awareness, the
mine can maintain a safe and secure working environment.
 3. DIAMOND MINING PROCESS ANALYSIS

The diamond mining process involves several stages, from exploration to extraction and
processing. The following is an overview of the diamond mining process:
Exploration: The first stage of diamond mining is exploration, which involves identifying
potential diamond deposits. This is done through geological surveys, geophysical surveys, and
drilling.
Mining: Once a potential diamond deposit is identified, the next stage is mining. There are two
main methods of diamond mining: open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining
involves removing overburden (the soil and rock covering the diamond-bearing ore), and then
extracting the ore using heavy equipment. Underground mining involves digging tunnels and
shafts to reach the diamond-bearing ore.
Sorting and transportation: Once the ore is extracted, it is transported to a processing plant for
sorting. This involves separating the diamond-bearing ore from other rocks and minerals.
Processing: The diamond-bearing ore is then processed to extract the diamonds. The processing
methods used vary depending on the nature of the ore, but can include crushing, grinding, and
screening. Once the diamonds are extracted, they are sorted by size, shape, and quality.
Figure 3.1: Karowe diamond mine plant process flow diagram
The process part of the diamond mining at Lucara Botswana can be divided into 5 main sections
within the process plant. The 5 main sections are more focused on size reduction, sieving and
separation and diamond recovery.
a. ROM Section (Running of mining)
b. Mill Section
c. XRT Section
d. DMS (Dense Media Separation) and Recovery
e. Thickener and Tailings

a. ROM Section (Running of mining)

ROM stands for "Run of Mine". ROM refers to the raw material that is extracted from the mine
without any processing or sorting. It includes all the material that is mined, such as diamonds,
rocks, dirt, and other minerals. When diamond miners extract material from the mine, they
typically use large machines to break up the rock and extract the diamond-bearing ore. The ROM
material is then transported to a processing plant where it undergoes a series of steps to separate
the diamonds from the other materials.
The ROM material can vary in quality and diamond content, and it is important for diamond
miners to carefully analyze the material to determine the most efficient and effective way to
process it. By understanding the characteristics of the ROM material, miners can optimize their
processing operations and maximize the yield of diamonds from the mine. ROM section includes
the reception of ore from the mining pit, crushing of ore using the jaw crusher, conveying the
crushed feed using conveyor belts, separation of feed according to size by vibrating screen and
storage at the stockpile.

a. Mill Section

The plant utilizes an autogenous Mill, a self-grinding mill. The grinding process is important
because it helps to liberate the diamonds from the surrounding rock and make them accessible
for recovery.
After grinding, the diamond-bearing slurry is then processed through a series of separation
techniques, such as dense media separation (DMS) and X-ray transmission (XRT), to separate
the diamonds from the other minerals in the ore. These techniques rely on the fact that diamonds
have unique physical properties, such as high density and fluorescence, which allow them to be
distinguished from other minerals.

b. XRT Section
XRT (X-ray transmission) technology is a type of diamond recovery system used in diamond
mines. It is an advanced technology that uses X-rays to identify and separate diamonds from
other minerals in the ore.
In an XRT diamond mine, the diamond-bearing ore is fed into a machine that uses X-rays to
analyze the material and identify the diamonds. The X-rays are able to penetrate the rock and
identify the diamonds based on their unique physical properties, such as their fluorescence.
After the X-ray analysis, the machine uses air jets to separate the diamonds from the other
minerals in the ore. The diamonds are then collected and sent for further processing and sorting.
Compared to traditional diamond recovery methods, such as dense media separation (DMS),
XRT technology is more efficient and effective at separating diamonds from other minerals. It
can also process larger volumes of ore, which can increase the overall yield of diamonds from
the mine.
XRT technology has helped to improve the efficiency and sustainability of diamond mining
operations by reducing the amount of waste material that needs to be processed and increasing
the recovery of valuable diamonds.

c. DMS (Dense Media Separation) and Recovery

The DMS (dense media separation) diamond process is a method used to recover diamonds from
diamond-bearing ore.
The crushed ore is placed in a dense media solution, typically made up of ferrosilicon or
magnetite, and mixed until the diamonds sink to the bottom while the other minerals float.
Typically, cyclones are used during this process with the concentrate overflow passing to
Recovery and later sorting and the underflow from the cyclones pass to the clarifier and tailings
section.

d. Thickener and Tailings

Thickening is a crucial step in the processing of diamond-bearing ore. This process involves the
removal of excess water from the slurry (a mixture of finely ground ore and water) that is
produced during the diamond extraction process. The thickened slurry is then sent to a tailings
storage facility, where the water is allowed to evaporate and the remaining solids are disposed of.
Thickening is achieved through the use of a thickener, which is a large tank that is used to
separate solids from liquids. The slurry is fed into the thickener, and flocculants (chemicals that
help the solids to clump together) are added. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, while the
water is removed from the top.
The thickened slurry is then pumped to a tailings storage facility, where it is deposited in a
specially designed containment area. As the water evaporates, the solids settle and the tailings
become denser. Over time, the tailings become stable and can be reclaimed for other uses, such
as mine reclamation or the construction of roads and buildings.
 4. CONCLUSION

Lucara Diamond Corp. is a Canadian diamond mining company that operates the Karowe
diamond mine in Botswana. The company is known for its recovery of large, high-quality
diamonds, including the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona and the 813-carat Constellation.
In terms of the diamond processing at Karowe mine, Lucara uses state-of-the-art technology to
recover diamonds, including the use of X-ray transmission (XRT) technology, which can identify
diamonds based on their chemical composition. The processing plant also uses advanced optical
sorting technology to identify and separate diamonds based on their size, shape, and color.
Overall, the diamond processing at Karowe has been highly successful, with Lucara recovering a
number of large, high-value diamonds in recent years. The company has also been recognized for
its commitment to sustainability and ethical mining practices, including its partnership with the
Botswana government to establish a diamond beneficiation program and its support of local
communities through various initiatives.
In conclusion, Lucara Diamond has demonstrated expertise in diamond processing, using
cutting-edge technology to recover some of the world's most valuable diamonds while also
prioritizing sustainable and ethical practices.