China MinMetals Kicks Off Expansion of Khoemacau Copper Mine

On 6 February 2026, China MinMetals Corporation (CMC), through its subsidiary MMG, undertook a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project at the Khoemacau copper mine in northwest Botswana. The project will create 4,000 jobs, and upon completion, the output is expected to contribute up to 6% of the #GDP of Botswana.

Botswana Minister of Minerals Bogolo Kenewendo, Chinese Ambassador FAN Yong, and China MinMetals Corporation Vice-President XU Jiqing attended the ceremony. CMC Chair participated via video conferencing and officially kicked off the project. The Chief of Batawana, Kgosikgola Tawana II, as well as representatives of the local community, were also in attendance.

“This expansion project stands as a new and important milestone in China-Botswana economic and trade relations, reflecting the deepening of our bilateral ties and serving as a perfect model of Chinese investment supporting Botswana’s long-term development.”

China Ambassador FAN Yong

The Khoemacau mine started production back in June 2021. It has an annual production capacity of 60,000 tonnes of #copper and 1.6 million ounces of silver. The expansion will bring up the production to 130,000 tonnes annually for copper, and 4 million ounces for #silver.

The cost of the expansion is estimated at USD 930 million. CMC VP Xu underscored his company’s commitment to community development, economic empowerment, and skills development. The expansion project will also apply technologies and techniques to minimize the environmental impact and maximize efficiency and safety.