China Comes to the Rescue of Debswana

12 June, 2007 in Botswana, Business, Mining

source: allAfrica
Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)

8 June 2007
Posted to the web 11 June 2007

Ryder Gabathuse
Francistown

Production at the Orapa and Letlhakane mines has normalised after experiencing difficulties that lasted for some months due to international shortage of tyres for big trucks at the mines.

The Acting General Manager for the Letlhakane and Orapa mines, Dan Mahupela said yesterday that the tyre shortage has cost the mines 5.5 million tonnes loss of production. “But with the acquisition of the new tyres and trucks, production is looking good again, as the mines continue to mine in compliance with its strategic mine to plan index,” reads a statement from the mine

Mahupela said that the mines have gone all out to ensure that they acquire the tyres despite a widespread international shortage, which is due to a busy mining activity.

“The mines are now on target to make for lost tonnages.

All the nine trucks that have been parked due to this crisis are now fully operational, while an additional four new trucks have been acquired to increase hauling capacity and offset the effect suffered in the last five months,” said Mahupela.

With two additional trucks expected from the sister Jwaneng mine, Mahupela was upbeat that this will further speed up production. ” At least there are positive signs that we are heading in the right direction already. Orapa mine is 15 percent above production budget for the month.”

The mines are now supplied by tyres mainly from China, which are strengthened with nylon instead of the more durable ones of radial type, which are supported with a wire.

It has cost the mines in the region of P30 million to acquire the [continue reading]

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