Khoemacau Copper Mining (KCM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johan Ferreira has revealed that plans are afoot for the expansion of the Zone-5 mine with an aim to create more revenue and jobs for Batswana.
Ferreira said this during President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s recent visit to the mine to appreciate its operations and progress made since establishment.
Besides the creation of more revenue and jobs, the CEO revealed that one of the reason for expansion was inspired by the demand of the copper and Ore in the market. Ferraira noted that they are currently pleased with the copper and ore business revealing that up to date, they have sold 69,466 tonnes of copper, 5,124,064 tonnes of Ore, 2,237,830 tonnes of silver.
“There is demand for copper in the market though that does not guarantee that they will buy our copper as when we want them to. We are therefore making sure that we stay reliable on what we do,” he added.
He further indicated that the mine has done the feasibility study and await report so they can resume all necessary procedures for expansion. Ferreira said though they need to improve more on skills development and resources as of now they however have viable resources and skills for the expansion.
Furthermore, the CEO emphasized that there is a need for skills development and capacity building so that they can remain sustainable for a period of 20 years and more. He added that they are also doing all they can to make sure that they develop and up skill their employees in every level of operations of the mine.
Meanwhile, Minister of Minerals and Energy Lefoko Moagi explained that the president’s visit was meant to understand the mechanization of the mine and how it brings efficiency into its operations. He explained that government is interested into skills development and making sure that there are more people transformed so that they can bring more results and productivity in the value chain that will create more jobs for Batswana.
“The visit was to appreciate the mine’s operations and see how they are able to move forward in bringing technical advancement for the improvement of skills and development of Batswana going forward,” he said.
