On Friday, 05 February 2026, MMG Limited, a subsidiary of China Minmetals Corporation, officially launched the Khoemacau Expansion Project, a major investment aimed at more than doubling production at Botswana’s leading copper mine. The ceremony took place at Khoemacau’s Zone 5 near Toteng, North West Botswana, and was officiated by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. China Minmetals’ Chairman and senior executives participated virtually from Beijing, highlighting the project’s global significance. The expansion will raise annual production capacity to 130,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, with silver output expected to exceed 4 million ounces, positioning Botswana as a leading copper producer on the continent.
To achieve this growth, MMG is developing three new mines at Zone 5 North, Mango, and Zeta North-East, which will extend ore supply from the current Zone 5 mine. A new processing plant with a capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per annum is also under construction, bringing Khoemacau’s total milling capacity to over 8 million tonnes per annum. Total capital expenditure for the project is estimated at US$900 million, including pre-2026 spending, with the first copper concentrate expected in the first half of 2028. During construction, the project is projected to generate approximately 5,500 jobs, while a permanent workforce of over 4,000 will be supported once the expansion is fully operational in the second quarter of 2028.
Minister Kenewendo described the Khoemacau Expansion Project as a transformative milestone for Botswana’s mining sector, contributing an estimated 6 percent to the national GDP. She emphasized that the project not only strengthens Botswana’s mining industry but also enhances local communities by improving livelihoods and supporting sustainable development. MMG’s commitment to investor returns and community development demonstrates the company’s long-term strategic approach and confidence in Botswana’s stable fiscal and regulatory environment.
The government highlighted that the decision by MMG’s board to approve over US$900 million in capital investment reflects Botswana’s investor-friendly policies, robust legal framework, and attractive foreign direct investment climate. Minister Kenewendo stressed that maintaining these conditions is key to ensuring continued economic growth and making Botswana a preferred investment destination for global mining companies. The project sets a benchmark for large-scale mining initiatives in the region, showcasing the potential for high-impact, sustainable investment in strategic minerals.
MMG has further announced studies aimed at increasing copper output beyond 200,000 tonnes per annum. These studies focus on optimizing existing operations and developing additional resources within current prospecting and mining licence areas. This signals MMG’s long-term vision to expand Botswana’s mining capacity while reinforcing the country’s reputation as a stable and reliable hub for strategic mineral investment. The Khoemacau Expansion Project marks a new era for Botswana’s copper industry, promising significant economic, social, and industrial benefits for the nation.
