09 Feb 2026

Khoemacau Copper Mine continues to build a robust legacy for current and future generations of Batswana, anchored by a P13 billion capital investment for its major expansion project.

The project aims to increase copper production from 60,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 130,000 tpa, more than doubling current output, alongside silver production exceeding four million ounces.

Once completed, the mine will be the largest copper operation in Botswana, contributing six per cent to the national GDP while creating employment opportunities during both construction and operations.

Delivering a keynote address at the official ceremony last Friday, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, commended the investment, saying the expansion would diversify the mining sector, boost the national economy and improve livelihoods for surrounding communities.

Ms Kenewendo emphasised that rising global copper demand, driven by electrification, renewable energy and data-driven technologies, positioned Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt as a leading future African producer.

“I am reliably informed that at the peak of construction, it is anticipated that more than 5,500 staff and contractors will be on-site. Once fully commissioned in the second quarter of 2028, the expansion project will support a permanent workforce of more than 4,000,” she added.

The minister highlighted MMG-Khoemacau’s long-term vision and revealed that the company had already initiated studies to potentially increase copper output to over 200,000 tpa.

“This will be achieved by optimising their current operational resources and exploring additional deposits within their existing prospecting and mining license areas,” she said.

She highlighted the significance of MMG’s membership in the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), which marked adherence to responsible mining, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

MMG President for Africa Operations, Mr Xia Weiquan, stated that the decision to invest was heavily influenced by Botswana’s stable fiscal and regulatory environment and its favourable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies.

He explained that the project’s success would be measured by the creation of a highly skilled citizen workforce. To achieve such, he said the mine would continue to collaborate with the University of Botswana and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). BOPA