The package includes $170m project financing for Karowe underground project development, and $50m for working capital
Lesedi La Rona 1,109ct. (Credit: Lucara Diamond.)
Lucara Diamond has signed loan documentation with five mandated lead arrangers to secure a financing faclility of $220m for the expansion of the Karowe underground mine in Botswana.
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which also serves as facility agent, Africa Finance, ING, Natixis, and Societe Generale, London Branch are the mandated lead arrangers.
The debt package includes $170m project finance for the development of underground project, and $50m working capital to re-finance the existing debt and support operations.
Lucara’s first draw of the facilities is expected in the third quarter this year, subject to certain customary conditions, including the closing and receipt of the Initial Equity Contribution.
Lucara Diamond president and CEO Eira Thomas said: “Lucara is excited to be moving forward with a fully financed underground expansion project, extending Karowe’s mine life to at least 2040 and projected to deliver at least $4bn in additional revenues using conservative diamond price assumptions.
“The development of the underground expansion project will adhere to all required environmental regulations and comply with Equator Principles.
Together with around $30m equity financings and cash flows from Karowe open pit operations, the debt facilities are expected to fully finance the Karowe underground expansion project.
With a five-year development period, the underground expansion programme at the mine is estimated to require an investment of $514m.
First ore from the underground project is expected to be drawn in 2026.
In January, Lucara received approval from the Botswana government for mining license renewal in respect of the Karowe mine.
Effective from 4 January 2021, the license has been renewed for a period of 25 years to 2046.
The Karowe diamond mine, which was fully commissioned in the second quarter of 2012, is expected to support open pit operations to 2026 with further underground potential to 2040.