MMG Khoemacau is a high-quality operating mine with a strong expansion potential, located in one of the most prospective mining regions in Africa, the Kalahari Copper Belt, and capable of supporting global supply chains.
Botswana leadership led by Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko Moagi and Kgosi Tawana II recently attended a historic ceremony to mark the change of ownership of Khoemacau from previous owners, to MMG Limited at Zone 14 site.
The ceremony was a storied affair where the local leadership passed their blessings on Khoemacau takeover by MMG, expressing hope this is good news for Botswana economy, job creation and local empowerment.
CEO Johan Ferraira promise of more than 1000 jobs created with the mine expansion further heralded this good news looming the horizons of Kgwebe Hills, where the mine is located.
“We are employing around 1700 people, after our expansion we will employ more than 2700 people”
A pre-feasibility study on the Khoemacau expansion has been completed with anticipated increased production capacity expected to shoot from 3.65Mtpa to more than 8.15Mtpa, and subsequently an increase in payable copper from c.60ktpa to c.130ktpa.
The planned expansion project is to cost over $700 million (over P10 billion) and result in three more underground mines and a bigger processing plant. This will deliver immense growth and value for all our stakeholders, our new owners MMG are committed to the expansion project”
Expressing similar hope was the Minister Lefoko Moagi who noted that arrival of the Chinese company MMG in the Kalahari Copper Belt is another success story in Botswana’s mining history.
Moagi reiterated ‘’ “MMG’s commitment to doubling production, generating employment and increasing royalties and tax contributions reaffirms their alignment with Botswana’s development priorities of job creation and economic growth,”
Area member of parliament Caterpillar Hikuama made an observation that MMG is enlisted in Hokong Sock Exchange and bring with it swathes of experience in areas of green technology and climate change smart solutions.
MMG chairperson, Mr Jiqing Xu, reiterated that MMG coming to Kalahari Copper Belt signifies growing investment relationship between Botswana and China. As a Chinese company, MMG vision is to leave a long-lasting impact on Botswana’s mining industry and low carbon future. MMG ethos of “We Mine for Progress” the chairman alluded that it underscores their unwavering commitment to creating enduring value for their shareholders and the communities. “We are steadfast in our resolve to develop Khoemacau to its fullest potential, with plans to more than double its production capacity from the current 60 Ktpa to over 130 Ktpa.’’
Kgosi Tawana II explained that since beginning operation, Khoemacau has contributed to local economy of the area they operate adding that the mining company’s sustainable mining practices and socio-economic impact in the region had greatly diversified the economy as a key source of employment and improved livelihoods.
Kgosi Tawana added that Khoemacau Copper Mining’s approach to sustainable mining reflected ‘whole of society’ and ‘whole of government’ approaches to sustainable livelihoods. “As a corporate citizen, Khoemacau mine connects and coordinates across all societal institutions and engages with parliaments and local communities in unprecedented ways’’ observed Kgosi Tawana
‘’The mine recognizes that people are the reason of safe and sustainable mining, developing our people and our culture as a key value,” he added.
Khoemacau who are mining copper near Toteng Village in Ngamiland have made a commitment through their social corporate responsibility and Environment Social Governance (ESG’s) targets to improve livelihoods and bring women in to the mainstream of local economies in the mining area.
Since beginning operations, Khoemacau has implemented a rigorous community development plan. The mining company has worked with seven communities in their area of operation to come up with village specific strategic sustainable development plans for projects funding by Khoemacau.
It is on this trek record that authorities hope that the coming of the MMG will further bolster these elaborate community development initiatives.