GABORONE, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's copper mining sector is expected to bounce back with the opening of Khoemacau Copper Mine, 72 kilometers from the resort town of Maun, on Friday.
The development comes after a five-year lull, and industry experts say Botswana's copper output will surge between 2022 and 2025.
Khoemacau Copper Mine, with a capacity to produce 165,000 tonnes of high-grade copper and silver concentrate a year, is expected to contribute about 10.77 billion U.S. dollars to the country's gross domestic product and bring in an estimated 90 million dollars in annual tax revenue during its 22-year lifespan, presidential spokesman Batlhalefi Leagajang said.
The project now has 2,800 people on its payroll, and 96 percent of the employees are locals, he said.
The opening of the mine is another demonstration of Botswana's commitment to creating a healthy environment for private sector participation in the country's economy, Leagajang said.
Last month, Khoemacau Copper Mine produced its first batch of copper silver concentrate at its Boseto plant. Enditem
