Khoemacau Copper Mine
An underground copper and silver mine in Botswana's Kalahari Copperbelt, being expanded to more than double its output.
Khoemacau is an underground copper-silver mine in the Kalahari Copperbelt of north-western Botswana. China's MMG bought the mine in March 2024 for an enterprise value of about US$1.875 billion and later brought in a partner, CNIC Corporation, which holds 45%. In December 2025 MMG approved an expansion of about US$900 million that adds a new 4.5 million-tonne-a-year processing plant and new mining areas, raising capacity to about 130,000 tonnes of copper a year. Construction began in early 2026, with first concentrate from the expansion expected in the first half of 2028.
- 01Raise annual capacity to about 130,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate, with more than 4 million ounces of silver
- 02Bring the Zone 5 North, Mango and Zeta North-East deposits into production
- 03Lower unit costs as output grows
- 04Explore the potential for up to 200,000 tonnes of copper a year
- 05Build Botswana into a significant copper producer alongside its diamond industry
2021 · completed
Production Start
The mine began producing copper-silver concentrate from its Zone 5 underground operation.
2024 · completed
MMG Acquisition
MMG completed its purchase of the mine in March 2024 at an enterprise value of about US$1.875 billion.
2024 · completed
CNIC Partnership
MMG reduced its holding to 55% after CNIC Corporation subscribed for a 45% stake.
2025 · completed
Expansion Approved
MMG approved a feasibility study and an expansion of about US$900 million to 130,000 tonnes of copper a year.
2026 · in progress
Construction Begins
Ground was broken on the expansion; 2026 output guidance is 48,000-53,000 tonnes of copper.
2028 · upcoming
First Expansion Concentrate
First concentrate from the new plant is expected in the first half of 2028.
Mineral Resource
Copper-Silver Deposits
Sediment-hosted copper-silver deposits including Zone 5, Zone 5 North, Mango and Zeta North-East.
Processing Plant
New Process Plant
A 4.5 million-tonne-a-year concentrator under construction as part of the expansion.
Financing
Expansion Funding
Capital cost of about US$900 million (MMG's feasibility figure is US$936 million).
Project Owner
Joint Venture
MMG (55%) and CNIC Corporation (45%).
- Underground long-hole open stoping
- Conventional crushing, grinding and flotation to copper-silver concentrate
- New 4.5 Mtpa process plant (under construction)
- Road transport of concentrate to regional ports
What it means for the community
Khoemacau is helping Botswana build a copper industry in a country long defined by diamonds, at a time when diamond revenues have fallen. The expansion should create construction jobs and longer-term mining employment in a sparsely populated part of the Kalahari, though water, power and road transport to export ports remain practical constraints.
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- MMG (55%)
- CNIC Corporation (45%)
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