Lucara Awards Key Lateral Development Contract for Botswana’s Karowe Underground Project
Lucara Diamond Corp Selects Group R for Major Lateral Development Works at Karowe Underground Mine in Botswana
Canada-headquartered Lucara Diamond Corporation has awarded the lateral development contract for its Karowe Underground Project (UGP) in Botswana to Group R Mining and Exploration Botswana.
The contract covers all underground lateral development linking the production and ventilation shafts to the orebody. This includes construction of the extraction level, underground crushing chamber, fine ore bins, pump stations with vertical dams, drilling horizons, workshops, and all necessary connecting infrastructure to advance development toward the kimberlite.
“We are pleased to announce the award of this critical contract to Group R, marking an important milestone in the continued development of our underground project,” said Lucara president and CEO William Lamb.
“Finalizing the last major contract for the UGP demonstrates our commitment to maintaining momentum and delivering the project safely, responsibly, and on schedule. We are confident that Group R’s experience and proven track record will support our vision for a world-class underground mine.”
Group R CEO Hannes van Staden said the company is honored to partner with Lucara for this important project phase. “Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence as we help open the next chapter of this world-class asset. We look forward to contributing to the long-term success of the mine and the communities it supports.”
Group R is expected to mobilize to site in the second quarter of 2026, with lateral development scheduled to begin in July 2026. Recruitment and work permit processes will start in early 2026, with priority given to local employment.
Lucara has already begun detailed engineering for the lateral development component of the UGP and is finalizing an updated life-of-mine plan based on recent simulation results.
