MMG Khoemacau and Botswana’s Ministry of Higher Education today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a Centre of Mining Excellence hosted at Maun Technical College, marking a significant milestone in developing Botswana’s future mining workforce.
The partnership, to also include other mining companies operating in Botswana, reflects a shared commitment to building a highly skilled, future-ready workforce that will support Botswana’s evolving mining sector while contributing to the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Situated at the heart of the Kalahari Copper Belt, MMG Khoemacau continues to play a leading role in Botswana’s transition towards new mining avenues. As demand for underground mining expertise continues to grow, the Centre of Mining Excellence project will strengthen technical and vocational education, equipping Batswana with internationally recognised skills required by the modern mining industry.
Botswana has long been recognised as one of Southern Africa’s leading mining jurisdictions, with its economy historically supported by diamond production. As the country expands into copper and other base metals, particularly within the Kalahari Copper Belt, the need for specialised technical capability has become increasingly important.
The Centre of Mining Excellence project has been developed to respond directly to this opportunity by creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled mining professionals capable of supporting both industry growth and national development.
The initiative will address several critical workforce challenges, including preparing graduates to become work-ready, reducing skills shortages in underground mining, and strengthening the availability of qualified operators and technical specialists. It also seeks increase the availability of locally trained mining professionals and strengthen Botswana’s long-term skilled workforce.
The Centre of Mining Excellence will leverage Botswana’s existing educational infrastructure at Maun Technical College while integrating international expertise through collaboration with the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute and other global technical partners. Initial seed funding will be provided by MMG Khoemacau, with further investment anticipated from industry partners and Government.
As MMG Khoemacau continues to expand its operations we plan to lift annual production capacity to 130,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate by 2028 (with potential to reach 200,000 tonnes over time), the initiative forms part of the company’s broader commitment to developing local talent and ensuring Botswana derives long-term value from its growing copper industry. The programme also supports the Ministry of Higher Education’s mandate to strengthen technical and vocational education and aligns with Botswana’s national development priorities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Wei Gao, Director of Finance at MMG Khoemacau, said the partnership represents a long-term investment in Botswana’s people and mining future.
“At MMG Khoemacau, we are committed to responsible mining and sustainable development. By working alongside with the Ministry of Higher Education to develop this Centre of Mining Excellence, we are investing in our people, our communities, and the long-term prosperity of Botswana. This partnership highlights our commitment to responsible mining and its ability to create shared value beyond the mine gate. By investing in skills, education and local capability, we are helping build a stronger future workforce and supporting Botswana’s long-term economic development.
The establishment of a Mining Centre of Excellence at Maun Technical College is far more than a mining project. It is an investment in our people, our institutions, our communities, and our future. Today we celebrate far more than the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. We celebrate the beginning of a partnership that will transform lives, strengthen institutions, and position Botswana as a leader in mining skills development.” Honorable Prince Maele, Minister of Higher Education, echoed in his remarks.
The Centre of Mining Excellence is expected to become a national platform for developing world-class mining capability by combining academic learning with practical industry experience. By strengthening collaboration between Government, industry and education institutions, the initiative aims to produce graduates equipped with the technical, operational and safety competencies required in modern underground mining.
The partnership also reinforces MMG Khoemacau’s commitment to creating shared value by investing in local capability, supporting community development and contributing to Botswana’s vision of a diversified, resilient and globally competitive economy.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Nicole Senuku
Communications Lead
MMG Khoemacau
nicole.senuku@mmg.com