Copper producer appoints underground contract miner
CONTRACT MINING JCHX Mining Management has been appointed to undertake underground mining operations at MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine
UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS MMG plans to increase Khoemacau’s yearly production to 60 000 t over the next two years
A five-year mining contract was awarded by multinational base metals miner MMG to underground mine construction, contract mining and related technical services company JCHX Mining Management (JCHX) to perform underground mining operations at MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine (KCM), in Botswana, starting July 1.
Since acquiring KCM in March 2024, MMG has developed a growth strategy targeting an expansion to 130 000 t/y of copper in concentrate.
MMG plans to increase yearly production to 60 000 t over the next two years, using the existing 3.65-million-tonne-a-year process plant and focusing on accessing the higher-grade areas of the mine through increased mining fronts and operational flexibility.
The mine’s capacity will be further increased to 130 000 t/y of copper in concentrate by building a new 4.5-million-tonne-a-year process plant, increasing Zone 5 output and developing the expansion deposits.
Early works have started, and upon final approval, construction is anticipated to start in 2026, with the first concentrate from the expansion project expected in 2028.
“KCM is one of the world’s highest quality new copper mines. It possesses immense potential and as the global demand for copper continues to grow, has a promising future with an extensive mine life ahead,” says KCM operations director Weiquan Xia.
Skills Upliftment
JCHX is a global mining contractor and service provider with an almost 30-year track record of delivering mining operations across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Boasting a global workforce of 16 800 employees, 8 000 of whom work in Africa, JCHX’s core business is mine construction and contract mining, underpinned by modern technologies, skilled talent and advanced equipment.
Both MMG and JCHX state that they are committed to not only retaining the site’s local workforce, but to supporting initiatives to ensure ongoing capacity building and training opportunities for citizens of Botswana.
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