Citizen Contractor Gains Momentum in Khoemacau Expansion with CEDA Support

Citizen Contractor Gains Momentum in Khoemacau Expansion with CEDA Support. Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency has provided support to citizen-owned Meropa Resources as it advances its role in the ongoing expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine.

Meropa Resources is currently operating on site as one of the local contractors appointed by MMG Limited for the multibillion pula expansion project. The development is expected to significantly increase the mine’s production capacity and position it as the largest copper operation developed in Botswana.

According to project details, the expansion will raise annual production to 130,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, alongside associated silver output expected to exceed 4 million ounces. The increase is set to contribute to higher national copper output levels.

The project includes the development of three additional mining areas at Zone 5 North, Mango, and Zeta North-East, extending ore supply beyond the existing Zone 5 mine. A new processing plant with a capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per annum will also be constructed, bringing total milling capacity at the operation to more than 8.0 million tonnes per annum once completed.

Meropa Resources has secured a contract covering bulk mining works, including two box cuts at Zeta, as well as support and concrete works at Mango and Zone 5. To carry out these operations, the company is utilising a fleet that includes dump trucks, articulated dump trucks, excavators, and supporting equipment financed through CEDA.

A representative from CEDA, Khalala Mokefane, stated that the agency continues to prioritise support for citizen-owned enterprises seeking participation in the mining sector. This includes enabling involvement across different stages of the mining value chain.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening local business capacity and contributing to national job creation targets through increased participation in large-scale industrial projects.