02 Jun 2021

Ms Boipelo Nkau of Sehithwa is among Batswana, who have found employment at Khoemacau Copper Mine, a job she started March last year.

Hers involves operating a sandvik haul truck that transports copper ore from underground to the mine’s processing plant.

Ms Nkau (30), who is Form Five graduate, started work as a labour and with her Class B license, she was trained by the mine to her current position.

The Department of Mines director, Ms Sellinah Mogojwa, said skills transfer was important in the mining industry.

She stated that the department ensured that some Batswana job shadowed expatriates, noting that Khoemacau was a highly mechanised underground mine.

Ms Mogojwa commended the mine for employing young Batswana to operate big trucks, adding that such would ensure transfer of skills.

She said the mine had employed about 2 400, Batswana being in the majority.

Ms Mogojwa said mines were a source of employment and presented other opportunities for those living in the area.

The revenue raised by the mining industry, she said, contributed to the Gross Domestic Product.

Ngami MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama, encouraged those employed by the mine to work hard as that would earn others space at the mine.

Mr Hikuama said he was hopeful that Khoemacau would with time create more jobs and business opportunities for  communities. ENDS