Africa-Press – Botswana. The Board of Directors of MMG Ltd has announced the approval of the feasibility study and the commitment to proceed with construction for a major expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana. The project is designed to increase annual production capacity to 130,000 t of copper in copper concentrate, with associated silver output exceeding 4 Moz.
This project will involve extending mining operations to Zone 5 North, Mango and Zeta North-East deposits; and constructing a new 4.5 Mt/y processing plant. This expansion will raise the mine’s total milling capacity to over 8 Mt/y.
The total capital expenditure is estimated at approximately US$900 million (including pre-2026 spending). First copper concentrate from the expansion project is expected in the first half of 2028.
The life-of-mine average C1 cost is expected to improve to be below US$1.60 per pound, representing a significant reduction from the actual C1 cost of US$2.05 per pound recorded for the six months ended 30 June 2025. This expansion is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the long-term profitability and scale of the company’s copper portfolio.
Looking ahead, Khoemacau has identified a further expansion potential of up to 200,000 t of copper per annum, supported by ongoing exploration activities. A pre-feasibility study for the next expansion phase is scheduled to begin in 2026. Where applicable, the company says it will make further announcements in compliance with the disclosure and/or shareholders’ approval requirements.
In June, Chinese mining services provider JCHX Mining Management Co Ltd (JCHX) was awarded a five-year contract to perform underground mining operations at Khoemacau Copper Mine from 1 July. JCHX took over from Perenti’s Barminco.
The total contract value was approximately US$805 million, covering underground mining works at Zone 5, with a contract term of five years. JCHX stated in June: “The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana. As JCHX’s first contract mining project in Botswana, the project carries exceptional significance.”
It added: “The signing marks a new breakthrough and achievement for JCHX in its continuous involvement in the African market, demonstrating its comprehensive strengths in providing contract mining and construction services globally. JCHX will continue to integrate its superior resources, give full play to its overseas mine development, construction and management experience, and work in good faith with KCM to jointly build the project into a benchmark one in southern Africa.”
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