As Botswana continues its journey towards economic transformation and sustainable development, MMG Khoemacau is taking a leading role in investing in local education and skills development. In response to the Government’s call for increased job creation and diversification from diamond dependency, MMG Khoemacau implemented a comprehensive program focused on internships, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships that empower Botswana’s graduates and communities.
The multibillion-pula Khoemacau Expansion Project, unveiled at the recent groundbreaking ceremony, will transform the nation’s mining landscape. With copper production in concentrate set to more than double from 60,000 tonnes to 130,000 tonnes per annum, the project is expected to generate approximately 5,500 jobs during construction and support a permanent workforce of over 4,000 once fully operational in 2028.
The MMG Khoemacau Graduate Program plays a vital role in strengthening local capacity to meet the demands of the expansion project. By equipping graduates with the skills and experience needed in the mining sector, the program not only ensures their employability but also helps build a future-ready workforce for Botswana. This initiative reflects MMG Khoemacau’s commitment to empowering local communities and contributing to the country’s long-term development, ensuring that the benefits of growth and progress are shared widely and sustainably. Currently, the company is completing its graduate recruitment process, with fifty new graduates expected to join the operation in phases through August. This comes in addition to graduates already on site, forming a growing and diverse cohort across the business.
The true measure of the program’s success will be the development of Botswana’s workforce. MMG Khoemacau continues to work closely with and support the University of Botswana (UB) and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), through offering their students mandatory practical or on the job-training-attachment, for them to complete and qualify to graduate. Once they graduate, the company offers the eligible candidates an extensive graduate trainee program which provides individuals with exposure to the mining industry, giving them the requisite work experience and skills.
The Graduate Trainee Program focuses on: Exploration, Mine Engineering, and Geology and Technical skills. Graduates gain insights into the geological make-up of the Kalahari Copperbelt and profile of its orebody, exploration process through practical exposure, mine engineering and geo technology employed in this highly mechanized underground mining. They engage in daily work planning, underground mining processes, data capturing methods, safety standards, and the application of acquired technical skills in real operational environments. Some of these graduates’ form part of the process plant Metallurgy and Maintenance team, following the journey of copper ore from mining to being processed, packaged and shipped out of Botswana to international markets.
During the recent cohort’s quarterly presentations, the graduates focused on the scope of their role, skills acquired, and the application of adaptive, innovative approaches in executing their requisite tasks. They also openly discussed challenges encountered during their training and offered thoughtful recommendations, while actively seeking feedback to support continuous improvement. These presentations demonstrate the impact of MMG Khoemacau’s Graduate Program, highlighting inspirational success stories, testimonials and reaffirmed the organization’s strong commitment to talent development, promotion of safe sustainable mine practices and continuous learning.
MMG Khoemacau’s commitment to capacity building goes beyond standard mining and geotechnical expertise, with its graduate program focused on developing talent in a variety of fields including human resources, supply chain, external affairs, administration and logistics, as well as facilities and camp management. By offering internship opportunities across these disciplines, MMG Khoemacau ensures graduates gain industry-relevant skills that open doors to diverse career paths. This approach reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing local talent and supporting the overall growth of Botswana’s workforce, truly ensuring that no one is left behind.
These efforts support MMG Khoemacau’s vision of a national mining skills partnership that advances socio-economic development, aligns with Botswana’s economic transformation agenda, and brings the benefits of local mineral beneficiation to individuals, families, and communities across the country. As the MMG Khoemacau Expansion Project progresses, MMG’s ongoing investment in education and skills development stands as a testament to its commitment to Botswana’s long-term prosperity and the creation of a skilled workforce ready to drive the nation’s future growth.