Botswana Moves to Strengthen Mining Skills as Copper Sector Expands

Botswana Moves to Strengthen Mining Skills as Copper Sector Expands. Botswana is taking steps to strengthen skills development in the mining sector following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between MMG Khoemacau and the Ministry of Higher Education.

Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important milestone for Botswana’s mining industry

.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kenewendo said the partnership comes as the country’s mining sector undergoes significant changes, with copper and other base metals emerging alongside diamonds as important contributors to the economy.

She highlighted the growing role of mechanised underground mining and the expansion of the copper industry, saying these developments are creating new requirements for technical skills.

According to the Minister, training programmes therefore need to remain aligned with the skills required by the jobs being created within the evolving mining industry.

Kenewendo also highlighted plans for a Centre of Mining Excellence in Maun, which she said could provide training and retooling opportunities for thousands of Batswana.

The proposed centre is expected to play a role in developing skills relevant to the mining sector, although specific details regarding its establishment, capacity and timeline were not provided in the information released.

The Minister called on mining companies to work together to support the centre and ensure its long-term sustainability and impact

.The agreement between MMG Khoemacau and the Ministry of Higher Education comes against the backdrop of Botswana’s efforts to develop skills that can respond to changes in its mining industry.

While diamonds have historically played a major role in Botswana’s mining economy, Kenewendo pointed to the increasing importance of copper and other base metals as the sector evolves.

The focus on technical training also comes as mining operations adopt more mechanised methods, potentially creating demand for specialised capabilities

.The partnership represents an effort to connect industry requirements with skills development, while the proposed Centre of Mining Excellence could provide a further platform for training and retooling.