29 Jul 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will today(July 30) officially open Khoemacau Copper Mine, some 72 kilometres from Maun.

An Office of the President news release says the mine is expected to contribute approximately P119 billion to the GDP with an estimated average annual tax revenue of over P1 billion during its 22-year lifespan.

It says the project currently has a staff complement of 2 800 of which  96 per cent are locals. 

The release states that the mine has the capacity to produce 165 000 tonnes of high grade copper and silver concentrate a year containing about 65 000 tonnes of payable copper and two million ounces of payable silver.

"This is yet another demonstration of government’s commitment to create a healthy environment for private sector participation in the country’s economy,”  the release says. 

In addition, says the release, it is a fulfillment of government’s commitment to partner with the private sector to bring infrastructural developments and create employment in Botswana.

President Masisi officiated at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony marking its official launch two years ago. Ends