Lucara Botswana Launches EOI For 30 MW Solar PV Plant At Karowe Diamond Mine

In an effort to strengthen its sustainability strategy and ensure a reliable long-term energy supply, Lucara Botswana has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development of a 30 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at its Karowe Diamond Mine. The mine, located about 20 kilometers from Letlhakane, is owned by Lucara Botswana, a subsidiary of the Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. The Karowe Mine is well known for producing large, high-quality Type IIA diamonds and is currently undergoing an underground expansion project that is expected to extend its operational life until 2040.

The planned solar project represents an important step in the company’s transition toward cleaner energy sources. At present, the mine depends on electricity supplied through the national grid as well as diesel-powered generation systems to support its mining and processing activities. Through the proposed solar installation, Lucara Botswana aims to reduce its dependence on conventional energy sources, lower its exposure to fluctuating electricity tariffs, and achieve greater predictability in energy costs over the long term.

The project is also expected to improve energy security for the mining operation while supporting the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives and broader decarbonization efforts. According to the project details, the solar PV plant will be developed on approximately 20 to 30 hectares of land available at the mine site.

Lucara Botswana has indicated that the project may be implemented in two phases. The first phase would involve the installation of a 20 MWp grid-connected solar PV system. The second phase could add a further 10 MWp of solar capacity along with a 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The facility is expected to operate in either a grid-tied or hybrid configuration, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2027 or 2028.

The company is seeking qualified Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and renewable energy developers to finance, build, operate, and maintain the solar facility under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Interested participants must provide detailed information demonstrating their technical and financial capabilities. This includes company registration documents, tax clearance certificates, evidence of experience in delivering utility-scale solar projects exceeding 20 MW, audited financial statements for the past three years, and details of their funding approach. Applicants are also expected to outline their development methodology and commitments to local content and community development.

Lucara Botswana stated that the EOI process will be used to identify and shortlist capable vendors for a future Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. The company has reserved the right to modify or cancel the process if necessary. EOI submissions must be delivered to the Karowe Diamond Mine office in Letlhakane by July 10, 2026, while requests for clarification must be submitted by July 3, 2026.