Motheo Operations

Motheo, a success story for Sandfire and Botswana.

Motheo is located in the central portion of the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana. The Motheo operations include the T3 and A4 Open Pit mines, as well as the A1 development project. Motheo produces a high-quality copper concentrate (containing a silver by-product) from its centralised processing facility that is transported by truck to Walvis Bay, Namibia, for shipping to smelters around the world.

The operation is supported by a community office in the nearby town of Ghanzi, which is the focal point for managing human resources and community relations in the Ghanzi District. Over 95% of Motheo’s direct employees are Batswana, and over 78% of managers are also Batswana.

Motheo Profile

Location: Ghanzi District, Kalahari Copper Belt, Botswana
Share: 100%
Product:
 Copper concentrate (containing a silver by-product).
Mining method: Open pit mining using conventional truck and shovel.
Processing method: Central processing facility with demonstrated capacity of 5.6Mtpa comprising conventional crushing, grinding and flotation processes.

Exploration
The Kalahari Copper Belt is one of the world’s most exciting, emerging copper producing regions and our landholding of 13,052km2, which extends over the central and western portions of the belt, provides substantial exploration upside.

Motheo Community Framework

Sandfire is committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to deliver lasting, positive contributions to the communities where we operate.

Our commitment in Botswana centres on working with identified community stakeholders located in the villages of Kuke, D’ Kar, Qabo, Grootlaagte, Hanahai, and Ghanzi Town (the administrative capital of Ghanzi region). Where possible, Sandfire will uphold existing social initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and its supporting councils, agencies and resources through partnership and collaboration.  

The four pillars of our Motheo Community Framework are:

Community Health

Initiatives which support improved outcomes for the physical and mental wellbeing of the broader community.

Education

Initiatives which encourage attendance in schools, improve learning outcomes among young children, and provide capacity building, training, and educational opportunities for youth and adults in the community.

Women Empowerment

Initiatives which support equality, inclusiveness, and empowering women.

Youth Development

Initiatives which promote training and employment opportunities to the youths within our local communities, as we look to assist in developing skills which will be beneficial throughout their lives.