Operations readiness manager for the mine, Koolatotse Koolatotse, has told Mmegi Business that the facility has a workforce of 320 people, but after expansion, the number will increase to 500. Another 500 workers will be hired for the expansion project.
Koolatotse stated that the mine is committed to give priority to locals in employment, especially those with skills. "For unskilled labour, we only hire locals and for skilled labour, we recruit within the borders, but if there is a shortage, we import with a view to get the expatriates to train citizens," he said. He explained that as a result of expansion, the demand for accommodation, food, water and business opportunities have increased in Palapye and surrounding areas. "This has a direct link to the development of Palapye. It has set a platform for the village to develop from a village to a town status and we are proud of it as a company," he said. Though the main contractor is a foreign company, many local firms have been sub-contracted to carryout construction of roads, trenches and to conduct environmental impact assessment. However, Koolatotse said they are faced with the challenge of getting locals with the necessary skills because Morupule colliery is the only coal mine in the country, hence there are few people with the required training and knowledge. Currently, the mine plans to mitigate the situation by taking local workers for intensive training.
