30 Oct 2025

Nestled amidst the landscape of Selebi Phikwe, iconic chimney of BCL mine affectionately dubbed ‘Chomela’ by the locals, rises majestically against the skyline, a silent demonstration of the bustling energy of the copper smelter that once operated within its walls.

Though it now stands quiet, its presence is deeply ingrained in the community’s identity, capturing the essence of a bygone era. Chomela is more than just a relic, it embodies the town’s rich industrial heritage and the spirited character that flourished during the golden age of mining, echoing the stories of hard work that once filled the air.

Although operations at BCL mine have ceased, the chimney remains visible from almost every angle of the town, evoking memories of the euphoric anticipation on payday when the phrase ‘Chomela e ole’ signalled financial relief and community celebration.

It was a mantra of hope, echoing across market stalls and classrooms, saturating the lives of the town’s inhabitants with a sense of purpose and survival. It is nearly nine years since the last spirals of smoke filled the skies, but the memories of that time remain vivid, sharp, and vibrant.

A 59-year-old street vendor, Ms Boingotlo Obonetse vividly recalls the energy that filled the town on payday.

“We all knew what the Chomela e ole meant,” she reminisces, her eyes bright with memories. 'Chomela e ole’ was a phrase that ran through our lives, whether at bustling market stalls, on public transport, or in other businesses. It signified hope and embodied our survival.”

David Lesejane, another proud former employee of BCL, reflects on the iconic chimney as an emblem of life that uniquely defined Selebi Phikwe, setting it apart from nearby communities.

Endearingly, it earned the town a humorous moniker, “ko chomeleng,” a playful nod to its significance.

Keith Stoffels elaborates, describing the chimney as a barometer of life within the mine; a robust plume of smoke would signify thriving operations, while a meagre trickle would send a ripple of concern through the community, alerting them to underlying production issues.

In these turbulent times, as the government endeavours to breathe new life into Selebi Phikwe, a flicker of hope shines brightly through the words of Mr Steven Tawana, a former Metallurgist Superintendent at BCL.

With deep emotional ties to the area, he expresses optimism about the revival of the once-thriving smelting operations. He emphasises the smelter’s crucial role, not merely as a facility for processing copper but as a vital lifeline for the surrounding community.

“The state-of-the-art laboratory that the government is currently refurbishing at the old BCL mine can synergise beautifully with the smelter. Once the minerals are analysed and their concentrations verified, we can process them right here in Selebi Phikwe, bringing back the spirit of Chomela,” he said.

He spoke of the need to continue embracing innovative strategies to preserve the skills and expertise cultivated during BCL’s operational years as the spirit of the Chomela might once again fill the air with promises of prosperity and community resilience. ENDS