12 Dec 2024

The acquisition of the Khoemacau Copper Mining by MMG company has unlocked new opportunities for the mine to realise the full potential of the resource. 

MMG is a global resources company that mines, explores and develops copper and other base metals projects in four continents. 

The mine’s general manager, Mr Logic Sebopeng told BOPA in an interview that the acquisition was not just a transition but an opportunity for growth and transformation. 

To support the current operations, he said they had just started construction of the backfill plant, which would assist them to maximise the extraction of the resource. 

The backfill plant is a facility that mixes mine waste with additives to create a paste that helps support underground mine construction. 

However, he said the project would be producing 60 kilotonnes of copper every year with expansion. 

We will be able to recover 90  per cent of the ore and this will indeed help us to maximise the value of our current operations,” he said.

Subsequent to that, Mr Sebopeng further revealed that they were mobilising some contractors to undertake detailing of the expansion, which included the opening of three underground mines in the stream. 

He said the feasibility study of the expansion project, which was expected to assist them to increase copper production, was ongoing noting that the development would be good for the country and the region in terms of value, employment creation, revenue and the overall economic benefits for the communities. 

He said the mine staff complement was close to 2000 and stated that the expansion would double the number and transform the North West region. 

“We are lucky to have MMG coming on board to enable us harness the potential of copper in this area. The only thing that was slowing us down was capital,” he added. 

Mr Sebopeng further noted that since they were sitting on a highly explorable area, the Kalahari Copper Belt this puts hope on the future of copper production in Botswana. 

He further said copper production would contribute to the  country’s economy and create job opportunities for Batswana. 

He said they expect to start the actual development in the first quarter of 2026 and the project would build up 4.5 million tonnes of ore capacity, which would be fed by the three mines and existing ones. 

“There are a lot of opportunities for young people and this planned expansion will deliver immense growth and value for all of its stakeholders,” he added. 

The director for people and communications, Ms Mmama Mhlanga-Fichani, also highlighted that they were now connected to a global network, giving them access to advanced technologies, enhanced resources, and exciting opportunities for development. 

She said MMG’s reputation as a global leader in mining had brought stability and new possibilities to everyone in the mine community and challenged fellow employees to embrace change. 

“The journey ahead promises growth and opportunities for us,” she said. Ends