NAPRO plant products hit the market
Business
The National Agro-Processing plant (NAPRO) introduced its products to the consumer market for the first time last week on September 28th. The coming to life of the plant further gives hope to the resurgence of Selibe Phikwe, a town who star dimmed with the collapse of copper-nickel prices.
Daily Needs and Saverite supermarkets, local retail powerhouses in the Selibe Phikwe area were the first to stock the highly anticipated locally produced tomato source and according to NAPRO, the products were already off the shelves before Independence Day celebrations. The feed from customers was very positive.
However the processing entity which has been in operation for about half a year is still operating below capacity. In an interview this week, NAPRO senior management revealed that there is a lot of potential and that the progress of the plant will be monitored closely.
The Operations Manager, Mr Ramogoma Kaisara, revealed that setting up a fully equipped processing facility with required standards was an expensive and labour intensive undertaking.
According to Kaisara, most of their startup capital was consumed by transforming and upgrading the warehouse to the required standards of a processing facility.
“We had a challenge of starting from completely nothing, thus a huge part of our allocated funds were channeled to pre-production adjustments. We had to convert an empty warehouse into a suitable working space, partitioning offices, and fitting the plant with world class processing equipment,” said Kaisara.
Kaisara further observed that they also had to provide on-the-job training for their most of their staff members and capacitate them further with processing skills thus affecting production schedule.
The National Agro Processing plant is an investment by the Botswana Government through the National Food Technology Research Center (NAFTRC) Investment Company.
Its mandate is to increase the shelf life of locally produced horticultural products by processing them into finished products, such as sources, pickled canned meat and different packaging models. The Plant started operations on May 27th this year and has been experiencing production challenges from inception until the end of September
“We officially started processing end of May this year, from that time we had to observe our equipment, make further raw material tests , and adjust to processing requisites that we only discovered after production commencement,” said Kaisara.
The NAPRO team also revealed to this publication that the plant is currently operating below full capacity due to the stated production challenges. “At full peak, the plant should receive raw material of about 32.021 tones of tomato, but to date we are only able to process just about 60 % of that.”
The Operations Manager further emphasized that the plant has not yet experienced any shortage in provision of raw materials from local farmers. He observed that this contradicts reports that local farmers are incapable of feeding the processing plant with vegetables for it to realise full capacity production.
Kaisara said he was confident even at full capacity the plant will not run short of raw materials. “We have sufficient provision of raw materials, our local farmers here in Selibe Phikwe are supplying enough or even more than enough for our plant’s capacity.”
“In addition to that, we are certain that after the electrifying of Motloutse farms and commencement of farming at Thune irrigation schemes, we will have abundant supply of raw materials, which might even require us to expand our plant,”explained Kaisara.
NAPRO NEEDS CAPITAL INJECTION
For her part, NAPRO Finance & Administration Manager, Ms Kebareng Makome indicated that the financial figures of the plant as a company are not looking good. According to Makome, the funds allocated to the plant are depleting hence the need for more financial injection to help the plant realize full production to ensure it makes profits.
Makome was complementing statements made by Ms Metlha Mangwane, the Sales & Marketing Manager, to the effect that NAPRO has rigorous strategies drawn up to penetrate the market, but currently could not implement those due to budgetary constraints.
Mangwane explained that her team is in talks with retail giants such as Choppies, Pick n Pay and others at group headquarters level to woo them ‘into absorbing their products.
DailyNeeds and Saverite are resident retailers in Selibe Phikwe hence it was easy to reach out to them. The Bobonong Cooperative Society retail outlet also started selling the products this week.
STRATEGIC LOCATION AT SPEDU REGION
The processing project, which is strategically positioned in the SPEDU region, was financed by Office of the President. Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi visits the plant from time to time alongside the troubled BCL mine.
The Vice President was quoted earlier this year at Serowe Agricultural Show expressing high expectations for the investment. NAPRO processes onions to canned pickled, fully nurtured tomatoes to tomato source; and different vegetables to canned pickled achar amongst other products.
According to the Public Relations Officer, Mr Keontse Mothibedi, the company is optimistic that after achieving full peak production capacity, the plant will venture into different agreements like packaging and branding for retail outlets which will assist them penetrate the market and build consumer confidence.
The company expects to start receiving quantifiable sales proceeds by December 2016 and from that time, the finance department will be in position to compile a proposal after considering financial projections.
According to the NAPRO team, they need more cash to help the plant attain profitability and autonomously run itself as a profit making entity.
Business
New Khoemacau owners commit to mine’s multibillion Pula expansion
The future of Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation, Khoemacau Copper Mining, looks promising as the new owners, MMG Group, commit to the mine’s expansion plans. MMG, an Australian headquartered company owned by China, has expressed its dedication to doubling Khoemacau’s production and transforming it into one of the most significant high-grade copper operations in Africa.
Nan Wang, the Executive General Manager for Australia and Africa at MMG, stated that while the immediate focus is on maintaining a consistent production level of 60ktpa, there are solid plans to increase Khoemacau’s production capacity. The company aims to double its production from 3.65Mtpa to 8.15Mtpa, resulting in an increase in payable copper from approximately 60ktpa to around 130ktpa.
To achieve this expansion, Khoemacau has completed a pre-feasibility study on the project and a solar power initiative. The next step is to conduct a feasibility study, which will pave the way for increased production capacity. Additionally, Khoemacau has identified extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, positioning the company for an exciting new phase of development.
The current Khoemacau operation reached full production and nameplate capacity in December 2022, following over a decade of investment totaling over P10 billion. This significant investment allowed for an intense exploration program, resulting in the development of the most automated underground mining operation in Botswana. The first concentrate was produced in June 2021, and the product entered the export market in July of the same year. Throughout 2022, the company has been working on the pre-feasibility study for the expansion project, with the feasibility study scheduled for the following year.
The expansion plans will involve the construction of a new world-class process plant in Zone 5, where the current mining of ore takes place. This new plant will be larger than the existing one in Boseto, which currently receives ore from Zone 5. The expansion will also involve the development of new underground mines, including Mango, Zone 5 North, and Zeta North East. These additional mines will bring the total number of underground shafts at Khoemacau to six. The ramp-up of production from the expansion is expected to occur in 2026.
Khoemacau, which acquired assets in the Kalahari Copper Belt after the liquidation of Discovery Metals in 2015, currently employs over 1500 people, with the majority being Batswana. The Khoemacau Mine is located in north-west Botswana, in the emerging Kalahari Copperbelt. It boasts the 10th largest African Copper Mineral Resource by total contained copper metal and is one of the largest copper sedimentary systems in the world outside of the Central African Copperbelt.
The mine utilizes underground long hole stoping as its mining method and conventional sulphide flotation for processing. Resource drilling results have shown the existing resources to have continuity at depth, and there are several exploration targets within the tenement package that have the potential to extend the mine’s life or increase productivity.
The Zone 5 mine has already ramped up production, and further expansion in the next five years will be supported by the deposits in the Zone 5 Group. The estimated mine life is a minimum of 20 years, with the potential to extend beyond 30 years by tapping into other deposits within the tenement package.
In conclusion, the commitment of MMG Group to Khoemacau’s expansion plans signifies a bright future for Botswana’s largest copper and silver operation. With the completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, as well as significant investments, Khoemacau is poised to become one of Africa’s most important high-grade copper operations. The expansion project will not only increase production capacity but also create new job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of Botswana.
Business
Khoemacau Copper Mining to be acquired by MMG Limited
Khoemacau Copper Mining, a leading copper mining company, has recently announced its acquisition by MMG Limited, a global resources company based in Australia. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and demonstrates their commitment to continued investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry.
MMG Limited is a renowned mining company that operates copper and other base metals projects across four continents. With its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, MMG has a strong track record in mining and exploration. The company currently operates several successful mines, including the Dugald River zinc mine and the Rosebery polymetallic mine in Australia, the Kinsevere copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Las Bambas Mine in Peru. MMG’s extensive experience and expertise in mining operations make it an ideal partner for Khoemacau.
MMG’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Khoemacau’s values and priorities. Khoemacau has always placed a strong emphasis on safety, health, community, and the environment. MMG shares this commitment and applies the principles of good corporate governance as set out in the Corporate Governance Code of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. As a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), MMG adheres to sustainable mining principles, ensuring responsible and ethical practices in all its operations.
Over the past 12 years, Khoemacau’s current shareholders have made significant investments in the development of the company. With approximately US$1 billion deployed in the project, Khoemacau has successfully transformed from an exploration and discovery phase to a fully-fledged operating copper mine. The completion of the ramp-up of the Zone 5/Boseto operations has set the stage for the next phase of expansion.
With the acquisition by MMG, Khoemacau is poised for an exciting new chapter in its development. The completion of a pre-feasibility study on the Khoemacau expansion and a solar power project has paved the way for increased production capacity. The feasibility study will be the next step in doubling the production capacity from 3.65 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 8.15 Mtpa, resulting in a significant increase in payable copper from approximately 60,000 tonnes per annum (ktpa) to 130,000 ktpa. Additionally, Khoemacau has extensive exploration opportunities across its license area, further enhancing its growth potential.
The CEO of Khoemacau, Johan Ferreira, expressed his gratitude to the current owners for their stewardship of the company and their successful transformation of Khoemacau into a fully operational copper mine. He also highlighted the company’s focus on the expansion study and its vision for the future with MMG. Ferreira emphasized that the partnership with MMG will ensure Khoemacau’s long-term success, delivering employment, community benefits, and economic development in Botswana.
MMG Chairman, Jiqing Xu, echoed Ferreira’s sentiments, stating that the acquisition of Khoemacau aligns with MMG’s growth strategy and vision. Xu emphasized MMG’s commitment to creating opportunities for all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and communities. He expressed confidence in Khoemacau’s expansion potential and the company’s ability to realize its full potential with the support of MMG.
The sale of Khoemacau to MMG is subject to certain conditions precedent and approvals, with the expected closing date in the first half of 2024. This acquisition represents a significant step forward for both companies and reinforces their commitment to sustainable mining practices, responsible resource development, and long-term growth in the mining industry.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Khoemacau Copper Mining by MMG Limited signifies a new era of investment, growth, and sustainability in the mining industry. With MMG’s extensive experience and commitment to responsible mining practices, Khoemacau is well-positioned for future success. The partnership between the two companies will not only drive economic development but also ensure the safety and well-being of employees, benefit local communities, and contribute to the overall growth of Botswana’s mining sector.
Business
BPC Signs PPA with Sekaname Energy
The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy mix by signing a power purchase agreement with Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village. This agreement marks a major milestone for the energy sector in Botswana as the country transitions from a coal-fired power generation system to a new energy mix comprising coal, gas, solar, and wind.
The CEO of BPC, David Kgoboko, explained that the Power Purchase Agreement is for a 6MW coal bed methane proof of concept project to be developed around Mmashoro village. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy in the energy mix. The use of coal bed methane for power generation is an exciting development as it provides a hybrid solution with non-dispatchable sources of generation like solar PV. Without flexible base-load generation, the deployment of non-dispatchable solar PV generation would be limited.
Kgoboko emphasized that BPC is committed to enabling the development of a gas supply industry in Botswana. Sekaname Energy, along with other players in the coal bed methane exploration business, is a key and strategic partner for BPC. The successful development of a gas supply industry will enable the realization of a secure and sustainable energy mix for the country.
The Minister of Minerals & Energy, Lefoko Moagi, expressed his support for the initiative by the private sector to develop a gas industry in Botswana. The country has abundant coal reserves, and the government fully supports the commercial extraction of coal bed methane gas for power generation. The government guarantees that BPC will purchase the generated electricity at reasonable tariffs, providing cash flow to the developers and enabling them to raise equity and debt funding for gas extraction development.
Moagi highlighted the benefits of developing a gas supply industry, including diversified primary energy sources, economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. He commended Sekaname Energy for undertaking a pilot project to prove the commercial viability of extracting coal bed methane for power generation. If successful, this initiative would unlock the potential of a gas production industry in Botswana.
Sekaname Energy CEO, Peter Mmusi, emphasized the multiple uses of natural gas and its potential to uplift Botswana’s economy. In addition to power generation, natural gas can be used for gas-to-liquids, compressed natural gas, and fertilizer production. Mmusi revealed that Sekaname has already invested $57 million in exploration and infrastructure throughout its resource area. The company plans to spend another $10-15 million for the initial 6MW project and aims to invest over $500 million in the future for a 90MW power plant. Sekaname’s goal is to assist BPC in becoming a net exporter of power within the region and to contribute to Botswana’s transition to cleaner energy production.
In conclusion, the power purchase agreement between BPC and Sekaname Energy for the production of power from coal bed methane in Mmashoro village is a significant step towards diversifying Botswana’s energy mix. This project aligns with BPC’s strategic initiatives to increase the proportion of low-carbon power generation sources and renewable energy. The government’s support for the development of a gas supply industry and the commercial extraction of coal bed methane will bring numerous benefits to the country, including economic diversification, import substitution, and employment creation. With the potential to become a net exporter of power and a cleaner energy producer, Botswana is poised to make significant strides in its energy sector.