Wanetsha Mosinyi
14 March 2008
Gaborone — The Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) is currently in the process of procuring consultancy services for purposes of evaluating the feasibility, investigating options and identifying technologies for copper beneficiation in Botswana.
The Director of Technology Innovation at LEA, Walter Kgabung says the results of the study are expected before the end of 2008. The insignificant participation of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) in the mining sector and the invention of the Activox copper refining method presents opportunities for SMME participation in mining. Kgabung says the Activox plant in Selebi-Phikwe and the possible production of pure copper by Botswana Metal Refinery also present an opportunity for value addition and that there is a need for that opportunity to be exploited before BMR enters into long-term binding contracts for the sale of copper. "Recent advancements in the processing of copper ore to pure copper through the introduction of Activox technology have opened up opportunities for beneficiation," he says, citing DTC Botswana, which is already doing similar work for the diamond sector, as a good example of beneficiation.
"The processing of copper to a pure state in Botswana is a new development, (but) associated technologies for its beneficiation have not been introduced," Kgabung says. "It is therefore imperative that the options for this beneficiation are identified, studied and evaluated by experts." LEA has initiated a project called Copper Beneficiation to examine the feasibility, investigate options and identify technologies for copper beneficiation in Botswana. The project will develop clear guidelines on how Botswana can beneficiate its copper with the full involvement of SMMEs. LEA believes there are opportunities for the manufacture of copper-based products by Botswana companies, creating employment in the process. BMR has an Activox pilot plant that produces 3.5 of pure copper and 5.6 tonnes of nickel per month. It is anticipated that these figures will increase to 20.000 and 33.000 tonnes per annum in two years when full operation of the main plant commences.
Kgabung disclosed that a LEA Copper Beneficiation Technical Committee undertook short trips to Tati-Nickel Mine in Francistown and BCL Mine in Selibe-Phikwe to collect preliminary information on involving SMMEs in copper beneficiation.
Kgabung says if the project is successful, LEA will look at involving SMMEs in the beneficiation of other minerals. In accordance with the Small Business Act, LEA is responsible for the promotion of the development of vertical integration and horizontal linkages between SMMEs and primary industries in agriculture, mining and tourism. LEA is also tasked with the promotion of business linkages between small and large enterprises and the development of a competitive SMME community.
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