its Motheo copper mine in the Kalahari belt, which is touted as one of most under-explored mining regions in the world.
“We are absolutely delighted to now be in a position to move to full-scale construction at Motheo, with our construction crews expected to mobilise to site over the next few days,” Sandfire managing director and CEO Karl Simich said. “I would like to thank the Government of Botswana for their support throughout the approvals process, which will see Motheo come on-stream in 2023 as one of very few new copper mines commencing production globally.”
The company’s T3 Motheo mine is the second copper mine to be constructed in the region. Last month, U.S.-based Cupric Canyon began operations at its Khoemacau mine, which is expected to produce 3.6 million tonnes of copper per annum. Earlier this year, Sandfire began the initial site works at Motheo, which included the development of a 15km access road and a 200-person camp.
Under the mining licence granted to the Australian copper producer, the government of Botswana holds the right to acquire up to a 15 per cent fully contributing interest in the project.
According to Simich, Motheo represents the foundation for Sandfire’s long-term growth plans in Botswana, as the project is expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs during construction and another 600 full-time jobs during operations.
“Our vision is that Motheo will form the centre of a new, long-life copper production hub in in the central portion of the world-class Kalahari Copper Belt, where we hold an extensive ground-holding spanning Botswana and Namibia,” he added. “Sandfire is looking forward to becoming a major long-term player in the Kalahari Copper Belt, which represents one of the last under-explored large-scale copper provinces anywhere in the world.”
