Toteng — The expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine is set to transform Botswana into a key global copper exporter and inject substantial employment and training opportunities into the local economy.
The project, which officially broke ground last Friday, centres on the development of three new mines. The next phase of growth directly fulfils the promise made by MMG Limited during its 2023 acquisition to create a long-life operation with a lifespan exceeding 20 years.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, MMG CEO, Mr Zhao Ivo, said the expansion was designed to align with Botswana's national development agenda through several high-impact initiatives, including long-term employment.
Mr Zhao assured that the next two years would see a significant increase in local hiring, with impacts extending far beyond direct mine labour. Additionally, MMG was launching a new programme alongside government, international universities and technical partners.
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The initiative, Mr Zhao said aimed to address labour shortages by creating talent pipeline of job-ready Batswana graduates through accelerated certification and practical experience.
He added that it also aimed to support a low-carbon future given that the company was progressing with pre-feasibility work for a future 200 000+ tonne per annum expansion.
"This includes studies into electric surface haulage trucks and bulk solar power initiatives," Mr Zhao said.
Again, he said by strengthening the base-metals sector, the project bolstered Botswana's reputation as a premier mining investment destination.
The ground-breaking ceremony at the Zone 5 site was attended by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong and North West district leadership.
Furthermore, Mr Zhao described the milestone as a long-term commitment to building a modern and high-performing copper operation that would create enduring value.
He emphasised that the mine's vision was built on the pillars of safety, operational excellence and environmental stewardship. While the economic outlook was positive, the event also highlighted the importance of worker welfare.
Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile, welcomed the expansion's timing during a difficult economic period but urged management to prioritise employee working conditions.
"The Ministry of Labour is overwhelmed by complaints from employees and Botswana Mines Workers Union against unfair working conditions," Mr Kekgonegile said.
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In response, MMG CEO reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that every person returned home safe every day as well as working closely with the Ministry of Labour and the Botswana Mine Workers Union to address concerns regarding fair conditions.
Mr Zhao further indicated that the company would maintain strict adherence to international safety and footprint management expectations.
Meanwhile, the expansion represented the realisation of the ambitious outlook MMG presented in 2023. Supported by its major shareholder, China Minmetals Corporation, MMG aims to leverage world-class Chinese and international expertise to turn the Kalahari Copper Belt into a sustainable powerhouse for the essential minerals the world increasingly depends on. BOPA
BOPA
