Citizen-owned Meropa Resources is on the ground at Khoemacau Copper Mine near Toteng as one of the local companies contracted by MMG for the multibillion pula Khoemacau expansion project, set to position the mine as the largest copper operation ever developed in Botswana.
The expansion will increase annual production capacity to 130,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, with associated silver output expected to exceed 4 million ounces.
This development will elevate Botswana’s copper production to unprecedented levels.
To deliver the expansion, three new mines are being developed at the Zone 5 North, Mango, and Zeta North-East deposits to extend ore supply from the current Zone 5 mine. In addition, a new processing plant with a capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) will be constructed.
Once completed, the project will raise Khoemacau’s total milling capacity to over 8.0 Mtpa.
Meropa Resources, a 100% citizen-owned company, has secured a contract for bulk mining works, including two box cuts at Zeta, as well as support and concrete works at Mango and Zone 5 under the Khoemacau expansion project.
The company operates five dump trucks, four A60 60-tonne articulated dump trucks (ADTs), 200-tonne excavators, a 55-tonne excavator, and other support equipment financed through the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA).
CEDA’s Khalala Mokefane said the agency is committed to supporting citizen-owned companies seeking opportunities within the mining industry. This includes participation across the mining value chain, strengthening entrepreneurial development, and driving job creation.
He added that CEDA’s current strategy is focused on contributing towards the national target of creating 100,000 jobs by empowering local businesses and enhancing their capacity to engage in large-scale industries such as mining.
