Batswana Are More Techno Savvy Than You Think
Business
Lebogang Motubudi
Account Manager, Careerpool
Careerpool Botswana has quickly positioned itself as the premier online job board in Botswana. Rightly so as it brings technology to Batswana that is long overdue. It takes the cumbersome process of finding employment and neatly packages it into a system that connects job seeker to employer at the click of a button.
For the employer the rewards are equally as sweet. Gone are the days when HR Departments need to open their doors to receive piles and piles of CV’s from job hopefuls.
More and more, companies are asking prospective job seekers to send their CV’s in softcopy form via mail or directly onto job boards where vacancies are advertised. For some reason there still exists a perception that this is not the way to go about things. Not yet in any case. It’s too soon for Batswana.
They feel that using technology in this way hinders the majority of individuals from being able to apply as not everyone has this technology at their disposal. I am sorry but this is simply not true. It is either a clear misrepresentation of us as Batswana, or we simply don’t see ourselves and how techno-savvy we have truly become in recent years.
When it comes to the argument of hardcopy vs softcopy job application requirements and their perceived unfairness, I ask this; when was the last time you saw a hand-written CV? Not in my lifetime and I’m 30! Why have we not seen a hand-written CV in over 30 years? Because people now type out their CV’s on computers, digitally.
This is called a softcopy. The minute they print this digital version onto a piece of paper (an environmentalists dream) it becomes a hardcopy. So you see, everybody that has a hardcopy of their CV had to have had a softcopy at some stage.
So how does asking a candidate to submit their softcopy alienate them from the recruitment process? The technology is readily available to everybody as it is computer based. All that companies are trying to achieve is to streamline the manner in which they carry out their recruitment processes. The intention is not to leave certain people out but rather include more people through the remote access the internet provides.
Companies seem to be grappling with the way in which they can use the internet without being seen to non-inclusive. I’ve spoken to some HR departments of prominent businesses and the feedback I got was that Batswana are just not there yet when it comes to advertising for positions online or asking them to apply online. I don’t know about you but I felt quite patronized by this perception. And I wonder where the data is to support such a notion as I believe that it stems from nothing more than personal opinion.
And here’s why. When you look around, all you see is people on their mobiles, texting, Watsapping, Facebooking and checking their e-mails on laptops, tablets and phablets. We, like the world at large, have become a techno-savvy nation and it’s due to the internet and how it has helped to create a truly global village with real-time access to anything and everything that is placed on the platform.
For HR practitioners and job seekers it has given rise to ingenious e-recruiting tools and online job boards that are here to simplify otherwise expensive, time-consuming and burdensome processes for both parties.
Why would anyone be averse to such advancements that are clearly devised for the benefit of all end-users? If you have handy a softcopy of your CV it makes it much easier to edit as and when you need to, ready to e-mail to a potential employer at the drop of a hat. We do this remotely at home, the office (sorry boss), internet shops or where Wi-Fi is available.
When you have online job boards like Careerpool it means you can upload this softcopy CV directly to the site and immediately give yourself the chance to be seen by employers looking for people in your particular field. As an employer you can be assured that if you have a vacancy it will be seen by job seekers on a job board like Careerpool because they know it to be the central repository for all jobs in Botswana, therefore it’s the first place they look.
Even if your company has its own careers page how do you market this better? How do you make people aware to come directly to your site above all other sites? And no, the answer is not to create a hardcopy of a link to your website so that people know about your amazing careers portal.
This just defeats the purpose of simplifying how job seekers apply for your vacancies. The answer is to create an online presence in a space that you know to be foremost in the minds of jobseekers in our current market. An online job board that connects you to a greater talent pool. Companies are going digital with e-recruiting and this technology is not lost on us as Batswana. We are being unfairly labeled as technophobic.
We as a nation are ready and highly capable of incorporating these world leading trends into our current, dare I say, outdated systems. We need to take advantage of new technology and make it work for us here in Botswana as these advancements hold the key to unlocking personal and organizational successes in our country. They provide us with the tools to compete at a global level.
If you’re still not convinced that Botswana is ready for this kind of technology then perhaps you’ll find Albert Einstein’s words more compelling, he said, "All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.” Consider this the next time you are tempted to ask candidates to post their CV’s to your office.
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.