Sandfire Resources Limited has announced that the Republic of Botswana President, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has officially opened the Motheo Copper Mine.
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of people, including officials from the local community and central government, Sandfire workers, contracting partners, and suppliers.
Sandfire’s Board approved the Motheo Copper Mine development in December 2020. The first copper concentrate was produced in May 2023. With nameplate capacity already attained over several shifts and copper recoveries of about 90% reported, the company anticipates a speedy ramp-up in throughput towards the initial 3.2Mtpa processing rate.
The 3.2Mtpa development’s construction and commissioning activities were successfully completed on time, and an initial shipment is scheduled for August. Now, the Motheo team is concentrating on the swift and inexpensive expansion to 5.2Mtpa, which is anticipated to result in an increase in annualised contained copper production to more than 50kt in FY2025.
Motheo is anticipated to produce appealing returns for Sandfire shareholders throughout its first ten-year life and to provide considerable value to the people of Botswana through paying taxes and royalties as well as long-term employment, training, and development possibilities.
“The official reopening ceremony marks an important milestone for Sandfire and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the community, our people and the many contractors who have contributed to the timely and safe development of our newest operation,” Sandfire Managing Director and CEO Brendan Harris said.
Harris stated that the opening of the Motheo Copper Mine strengthens the company’s strategic position on the highly-prospective Kalahari Copper Belt.
“I would like to thank the many stakeholders who have played a role in the development of Motheo. The Government of Botswana for the supportive and stable investment environment they create, our dedicated and highly professional team, our shareholders and financiers, and our contractors and suppliers. Motheo Project Director Ian Kerr deserves special mention for his unwavering focus and somewhat remarkable delivery of the project safely, on time and on budget, despite the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on supply chains and general mobility,” he added.
Sandfire Chair John Richards commented, “On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank the Government of Botswana for the trust placed in Sandfire to develop and operate Motheo to the highest safety and environmental standards.”
“As a proud stakeholder of the nation of Botswana, Sandfire will continue to work with local communities, businesses, and government to enable Motheo to operate safely and successfully over the longer term,” he continued.
