The Botswana Department of Mines has granted Sandfire Resources Limited‘s application for an extension to the Motheo Copper Mine Mining Licence.
Following the Botswana Government’s completion of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in May 2023, this approval constitutes the final key permitting milestone for the 5.2Mtpa Motheo Expansion Project. The A4 Deposit is planned to be developed and mined in the September quarter of FY2024, increasing Sandfire’s mining footprint beyond the T3 Open Pit.
The Motheo Copper Mine expansion project will see processing capacity grow from 3.2Mtpa to 5.2Mtpa by the end of the December Quarter of FY2024, as design and procurement operations are well underway. As previously stated, the further ramp-up in throughput to the enhanced rate will take place for the rest of FY2024.
“Approval of the extended mining licence is a critical step for our newest mine and we look forward to seeing the higher grade A4 Pit contribute to the expanded Motheo mining complex, which is expected to produce more than 50kt of contained copper in the 2024 financial year,” Sandfire Managing Director and CEO Brendan Harris said.
“The robust approvals process for this project was a significant undertaking and I would like congratulate our team for achieving this important milestone, and thank the Government of Botswana and our host communities for their continuing support,” Harris added.
