Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana’s stability, excellent fiscal regime and policies have been hailed as ideal ecosystems that make the Southern African nation investors’ destination of choice.
This was said by Khoemacau Copper Mining chief executive officer, Mr Johan Ferreira during President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s visit to the mine on yesterday.
“On average, we are able to produce 62 tonnes of copper per annum and two million ounces of silver,” he said, attributing the achievement to the enabling environment created by the government.
He said such a remarkable feat would not be possible to achieve in just under eight years since the discovery of the mineral deposit at Khoemacau, located 72 kilometres from Maun.
Also, Mr Ferreira told President Dr Masisi that Khoemacau placed a lot of emphasis on workers’ safety to guard against mishaps such as last year’s casualties where two people lost their lives at the mine. “No work will be done unless it is safe,” he said.
The fully mechanised and automated mine according to Mr Ferreira ensures high levels of production and efficiency and to a larger degree, eliminates injuries.
He was proud that over 90 per cent of the mine employees were women, something that was applauded by President Masisi and his entourage.
In a post-visit interview, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi relayed that President Masisi’s visit to the mine was to appreciate the progress made by the mine especially the mechanisation aspect with a view to selling the idea to other mines since it has worked well for Khoemacau.
On the automation of the mines versus jobs, Minister Moagi dismissed the narrative as untrue. “Contrary to popular belief, automation, mechanisation, digitalisation or technological advancement does not take away jobs. It is actually a smart way of doing things. It is about bringing efficiency,” he said, adding that machines needed people to operate.
The value chains that come as a result of the use of technology, he said needed people with new skills set and this could only mean the creation of more employment opportunities.
He also stated that mechanised mining systems also minimised incidents of accidents and promoted safety in the mines.
President Dr Masisi opened Khoemacau on July 30, 2021. The mine is expected to contribute approximately P119 billion to the GDP with an estimated average annual tax revenue of over P1 billion during its 22-year lifespan.
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