Murray & Roberts bags R2.6 billion Venetia diamond mine contract

Mining and Ores

Murray & Roberts Cementation has acquired a R2.6 billion (ca US$ 250 million) award at De Beers' Venetia underground mine project. This award is the first of a course of potential contract awards to Murray & Roberts Cementation by De Beers to construct its multi-billion rand underground mine below the functioning open pit diamond mine.

The Venetia deposit comprises of 12 kimberlite pipes. Presently De Beers is mining two of the largest in a single, open pit operation.

The designed investment to change over the open pit into an underground mine is likely to cost some US$2 million. Open pit functions would continue to 2021 and the conversion to underground mining is likely to stretch the life of the mine by 25 years to 2046.Read complete story at http://www.tendersontime.com/blog-detail/murray-amp-roberts-bags-r26-billion-venetia-diamond-mine-contract-208.php