Once the lifeblood of the local economy, the mine’s revival promises jobs, hope, and a much-needed boost to the region. Yet, as we celebrate this milestone, there are vital lessons to heed. For the mine to thrive, its new owners must work hand-in-hand with workers, unions, and the community, not just around them. Francistown knows all too well the cost of the mine’s closure. When the TNMC shut in 2016, over 700 workers lost their livelihoods overnight. Businesses that relied on the mine collapsed, thus deepening economic hardship.
The recent announcement that 400 jobs will be created is therefore a beacon of hope and progress. The potential ripple effect, reviving retail, transport, and property sectors could breathe fresh life into the city. The reopening of the TNMC will in addition to creating jobs, boosts industrialisation. The city has not been doing well since the closure of the mine. The unemployment situation was also worsened by the fact that some businesses folded after failing to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, excitement must be tempered with caution. The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) president, Joseph Tsimako, has voiced serious concerns about the impending development. Despite the mine’s April 2025 restart, the union remains “clueless” about the new owner’s identity or plans. This lack of engagement is alarming. When Premium Nickel Resources Botswana (PNRB) acquired assets from BCL Limited, they proactively consulted the BMWU, sharing their vision for operations and employment.
