UNDERGROUND

Lucaras secures US$220M to take Karowe underground

The underground expansion programme has an estimated capital cost of $514 million

 The company extended Karowe’s licence by five years in January, to 2046.

The company extended Karowe’s licence by five years in January, to 2046.

ING Bank, Société Générale, Africa Finance Corporation and Afreximbank are Mandated Lead Arrangers in the Karowe expansion syndicate.

The agreement secured debt facilities of up to US$220 million, with closure targeted to be mid-2021 - financing is in place for the second half of 2021, added the company.

"The mandating of five leading international financial institutions, with strong mining and metals track records and significant experience in Africa, for the arrangement of +$200 million senior debt facilities, is a significant achievement for Lucara," said Eira Thomas, president and chief executive.

The total estimated costs of the expansion, which is expected to double the mine's life span, generate US$5.25 billion in gross revenue and produce 7.8 million carats over 20 years, is expected to be US$514 million.

The company extended Karowe's licence by five years in January, to 2046.

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence: Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024

Exclusive research for Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets