Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, continued her series of working visits with a tour of the Khoemacau Mining Company in Toteng this afternoon. The visit underscores her commitment to engaging directly with stakeholders in the mining and energy sectors to better fulfill her mandate.
The Khoemacau mine, a long-life copper-silver operation, is a flagship of Botswana’s mining industry. During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the mine’s operations, including its innovative approach to underground mining using the longhole stoping method.
Key Highlights of the Visit
1. State-of-the-Art Operations:
The mine’s ore is extracted underground and transported via a 35km purpose-built bitumen haul road to the Boseto processing plant. This facility processes the ore into high-grade copper concentrate, which is then shipped globally.
2. Economic Impact:
The mine represents a significant contributor to Botswana’s economy, both through its export earnings and local employment. Minister Kenewendo emphasized the importance of ensuring the industry’s growth benefits surrounding communities and the national economy.
3. Commitment to Sustainable Development:
Discussions during the visit also highlighted Khoemacau’s commitment to sustainability, with ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact and support local development projects.
Minister Kenewendo’s Vision
The tour forms part of Minister Kenewendo’s broader strategy to strengthen the mining sector and ensure it aligns with Botswana’s developmental goals. Speaking after the visit, she remarked:
“Mining is a cornerstone of our economy. By engaging directly with companies like Khoemacau, we gain insights into their challenges and opportunities, enabling us to create policies that foster growth and sustainability.”
She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the mining industry while advocating for value addition, local employment, and community upliftment.
A Pillar of Botswana’s Mining Industry
Khoemacau Mining Company has become a critical player in Botswana’s mining landscape. Its copper and silver production contributes to diversifying the country’s mineral exports beyond diamonds, reinforcing Botswana’s position as a leading resource hub in Africa.
Looking Ahead
Minister Kenewendo’s ongoing tours of mines, parastatals, and energy organizations are expected to drive better collaboration between the government and the private sector. With Botswana seeking to position itself as a leader in sustainable mining practices, such engagements are pivotal in ensuring alignment between industry operations and national objectives.
As Khoemacau continues its operations, its role in bolstering Botswana’s mining portfolio highlights the sector’s enduring importance in the country’s economic narrative. Minister Kenewendo’s proactive approach signals a renewed focus on ensuring the industry remains a key driver of inclusive growth.
