A re-evaluation of the pit design undertaken during 1998 has reduced the waste stripping requirements. After waste stripping to expose the kimberlite, the ore is blasted and loaded into trucks, hauled to a crusher, reduced in size and conveyed to a primary stockpile. Crushed ore is then conveyed to the main treatment plant for processing. Ancillary equipment includes Bell articulated water bowsers, used for road spraying, vehicle washing and fire-fighting duties. The recovery plant includes widespread use of Bateman pneumatic conveying systems for handling concentrates, tailings and products.
General spillage is handled by a vacuum clean-up system servicing most of the plant equipment.
In acknowledgement of Venetia s location in an environmentally sensitive area, De Beers spend some R17 million on initial environmental engineering projects. The company has also established the 36,000 ha Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve adjacent to the mine. Drilling at night in the open pit. Venetia is situated near Messina in the Northern Province. The plant at dusk.