Where we operate

Motheo Copper Operations

Motheo represents the foundation for
Sandfire’s long-term growth plans in Botswana.

Motheo Profile 

Product: Copper concentrate (containing a silver by-product credits)
Processing rate: Initially 3.2Mtpa with further expansion approved and under construction to 5.2Mtpa
Mine life: ~10 years
Location: Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana about 70 kilometres from the town of Ghanzi
Mining method: Open pit mining using conventional truck and shovel
Processing method: Conventional crushing, grinding and flotation processing plant
Current resources and reserves: See our Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves page here. 

Motheo is our new, long-life asset located in the central portion of the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana. The Motheo operations are centred on the development and mining of the T3 and A4 Open Pit mines and were officially opened in August 2023. With a central processing facility, Motheo produces high-quality copper concentrate (containing a silver by-product) that is transported by truck to Walvis Bay, Namibia, for shipping to smelters around the world. The operations are supported by our community office in the nearby town of Ghanzi, which is the focal point for managing human resources and community relations in the Ghanzi District.

5.2Mtpa Motheo expansion

Sandfire completed a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Motheo expansion project in August 2022. The DFS highlighted the strong economics that would be generated by the expanded 5.2Mtpa operation, which includes development and mining of the A4 Deposit, located 8km to the west of the Motheo processing facility and T3 Open Pit.

With the final permitting milestone for the expansion completed recently, development and mining of the higher grade A4 Deposit has commenced. The Motheo low-cost, rapid expansion will see processing capacity increase sustainability from the initial rate of 3.2Mtpa to 5.2Mtpa by the end of CY2023, with the project’s design and procurement activities significantly advanced.

Exploration remains a key component of Sandfire’s strategy and is increasingly focused on both near-mine and regional opportunities as we seek to leverage our strategic position in the highly prospective Kalahari Copper Belt. Read more on our approach to exploration here.

To read more on the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for our Motheo Copper Project, click here.

Motheo Community Framework

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

Hear from Sandfire’s Executive Country Head of Botswana, Dale Burgess, on the four pillars within our Motheo Copper Project’s Community Framework, and what these mean for our local communities within the Ghanzi region.

Sandfire is a sustainable mining company transforming into a global copper producer of significance

About Sandfire

Sandfire Resources is one of the largest copper-focused companies on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

Where we operate

Our operations extend across Australia, Botswana, Spain and the USA.

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