Africa-Press – Botswana. The government’s recent approval of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Motheo Copper Mine processing facility expansion paves way for the increase of the project’s production capacity to 5.2 million tonnes of copper concentrate per annum.
An Australian-based mining and exploration company, Sandfire Resources, was given a 10-year mining license to develop copper deposits through an open pit Motheo Copper Mine situated 80km North-East of Ghanzi in 2021, with the first production of the copper concentrate in May 2023.
Speaking during the official opening of the Motheo project on Wednesday, Sandfire Resources chief executive officer, Mr Brendan Harris said the new development, which provided access to exploration of higher grade ore, would see an over 60 per cent production increase from the initial 3.2 million tonnes per annum.
“This development, together with the expansion of our processing facility will increase capacity at Motheo Copper Mine by just over 60 per cent to 5.2 million tonnes per annum. With the rapid expansion of our processing facilities, we are placed to grow copper production at Motheo to more than 50 000 tonnes in the 2025 financial year as the A4 pit, located 8km to the West of Motheo, provides access to higher grade ore,” he said.
Mr Harris noted that the investment was not only expected to grow the country’s economy through taxes and royalties, but would also go a long way in creating development and employment opportunities for the local communities.
Additionally, he said more people were expected to indirectly benefit through capacity building initiatives.
To this end, Mr Harris said the local communities had benefitted through their community empowerment projects in various sectors including health and education.
“Some recent examples of this programme include our investment in the horticulture capacity project, which provides women with the tools and resources to grow nutritious food for their own consumption and generates income, providing an avenue to end the cycle of gender based violence,” he noted.
For his part, Ghanzi North MP Mr John Thiite applauded Sandfire Resources for their contribution towards the economic development of the district and Botswana’s mining sector.
He noted that the commissioning of the Motheo project would promote economic diversification of Ghanzi from farming to mining.
Mr Thiite further noted that in addition to creating employment opportunities and capacity building through skills transfer, the project would enhance infrastructure developments such as roads and electricity.
“The establishment of Motheo Copper Mine has not only created employment opportunities but acts as a catalyst for emergence of infrastructure such as roads, electricity and housing,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi applauded farmers for paving way for the project.
He also commended all stakeholders who contributed towards the effective delivery of the project within time and with uncompromised quality.
Minister Moagi implored the mine to deploy high performance systems and prioritise employee safety in line with the country’s mindset agenda.
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