08 Jun 2020

Khoemacau Copper Mine is expected to employ 2 600 people when in full production, says Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi.

In an interview after touring the mine recently, Minister Moagi appealed to the mine’s management to make up for lost time since mining was halted due to the pandemic.

“Government is eager to see the project succeed as it is in line with national development priorities of job creation and the growth of the economy,” he said.

Although the project is two months behind schedule, the minister praised progress made despite the lockdown, and urged management to work hard as government expected to see the first concentrate production next year.

“I am happy about progress made to date. It is an indication that COVID-19 did not affect you that much and employees strived to ensure the project is on track. I believe that you will do more to push work behind schedule,” he added.

Mr Moagi also commended employees for developing the infrastructure required to operate the mine. He mentioned the mine workshop, ancillary infrastructure, mine village, which is expected to accommodate over 600 employees, roads, electricity and telecommunications.

On citizen empowerment, Minister Moagi urged the mines management to procure goods  locally and to ensure that citizen owned contractors were taken on board to empower locals and promote ownership of the project.

In addition, he said the training plan should be followed to the letter as government wanted to see transfered skills to more citizens.

Mr Moagi also said staff welfare issues should be prioritised, and assured them that government would give the mine support.

For his part, Khoemacau chief executive officer, Mr Johan Ferreira welcomed the minister’s visit, saying he got first-hand information about progress and challenges they encountered.

He said the first concentrate was scheduled to be next April. He said the mine has appointed a world class mining contractor to undertake mechanised underground mining activities at the mine

He said they hoped that by September the power project would be completed, as they would be connected at the Toteng sub-station.

Mr Ferreira also informed the minister that the safety of employees was paramount, adding that the mine ensured zero harm to all operations.

“The mine subscribes to high and exemplary working standards characterised by safe systems, an injury free environment and zero harm policy,” he said

Furthermore, the CEO said the mine would ensure that the impact on the environment was minimised through compliance to national and international standards.

Mr Ferreira also pointed out that efforts were made to give back to the community as part of the mine’s corporate social responsibility.

He noted that the mine recently contributed towards the COVID-19 Relief Fund and donated some sanitisers and masks to communities adjacent to the mine.

In addition, he said they assisted communities to develop strategic plans on sustainable projects they wanted to venture into. Ends