31 Jul 2021

 The coming into operation of Khoemacau Mine is a demonstration that Botswana remains a strong mining jurisdiction, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. 

Speaking at its official opening Friday, he said the mine was expected to contribute approximately P119 billion to the GDP with an estimated average annual tax of over P1 billion during its 22-year lifespan. 

It was also expected to stimulate and encourage other greenfield and brownfield mining projects as well as contribute to the development of nearby villages and Botswana at large, he said. 

Saying the mine would facilitate government’s employment creation drive, Dr Masisi noted that it employed 2 800 people, the majority of them locals, at the peak of its construction.

 Currently,  95 per cent of its staff complement of 1 600 comprising artisans, technicians and operators, were locals, he said.

President Masisi also noted that the mine had engaged citizen-owned companies to provide critical services such as information communication technology, catering, transport and logistics. 

He said the move indicated the mine’s commitment to including Batswana in its operations and ensuring that communities benefitted from the value chain. 

Dr Masisi said government would continue working towards  creating a conducive environment for investors such as Khoemacau to enable them to meaningfully contribute to the economy. 

To that end, he said, government had prioritised supporting the mining industry through infrastructure development which included cross-border railways, roads, electricity and major water transfer schemes. 

“I am leading a result-oriented government that will make sure that our promises become a reality. When recently I launched the North West Transmission Grid at Mawana, I highlighted that the electricity grid connection would bring with it economic opportunities to the Ngamiland region.

Indeed, the grid connection is benefitting Khoemacau making the mine a viable and sustainable business enterprise. 

This is an example of a successful Public-Private-Partnership between the government and the mine,” he said. 

The President revealed that investment in the project was over P2 billion government and more than P10 billion on the mine’s side.

Dr Masisi expressed gratitude that the mine was developed and completed within the planned time frame which he described as a remarkable achievement given the turbulent  environment occasioned by COVID-19. 

The success of the mine was testimony to the spirit of resilience would help to reinvigorate the economy, he said. 

Turning to the recently-announced reset agenda, President Masisi cited value chain development and citizen economic empowerment as some of its priorities as they would unlock opportunities for new high-growth private sector companies and create employment. 

For his part, Khoemacau chief executive officer Mr Johan Ferreira said the mine, which was expected to produce 150 000 tonnes of quality copper per annum, exported its first concentrate last month. 

He said international highly-skilled personnel had been employed to ensure sustainability.  

Mr Ferreira revealed that Khoemacau had been assisting the community to come up with sustainable projects that would eventually supply the mine with products and services. Ends