Following a competitive market process, mining service provider JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd (JCHX) has been awarded a five-year contract to perform underground mining operations at MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM) in Botswana from 1 July.
JCHX is a global mining contractor and service provider with an almost 30-year track record of delivering mining operations across Africa, Asia and Europe. Their core business is mine construction and contract mining, underpinned by industry leading technologies, skilled talent and advanced equipment. They boast a global workforce of 16,800 employees, 8,000 of whom work in Africa.
Importantly, MMG and JCHX are committed to not only retaining the site’s local workforce, but to supporting initiatives to ensure ongoing capacity building and training opportunities for citizens of Botswana. The KCM team also looks forward to continuing to work side by side with local communities to build meaningful social development programs. And maintaining strong ties with local stakeholders including the Government of Botswana.
“KCM is one of the world’s highest quality new copper mines. It possesses immense potential and as the global demand for copper continues to grow, has a promising future with an extensive mine life ahead,” said KCM’s Director of Operations, Weiquan Xia. “Our operation also has an important role in helping MMG to achieve its vision of being an international mining company for a low carbon future.”
Since acquiring KCM in March 2024, MMG has developed a growth strategy targeting an expansion to 130,000 tonnes of copper in copper concentrate annually. The plan is to increase annual production to 60,000 tonnes over the next two years, utilising the existing 3.65Mtpa process plant and focusing on accessing the higher-grade areas of the mine through increased mining fronts and operational flexibility.
The mine’s capacity will be further increased to 130,000 tonnes of copper in copper concentrate annually by building a new 4.5Mtpa process plant, increasing Zone 5 output, and developing the expansion deposits. Early works have commenced, and upon final approval, construction is anticipated to begin next year, with the first concentrate from the expansion project expected in 2028.
MMG’s first value is safety, which will continue to be the primary focus during the transition process and the subsequent ramp up to full production. JCHX has commenced mobilisation to site, with a goal of a safe and smooth transition.
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Nicole Senuku
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