Dark skies return to BCL Mine

Trouble times: Workers at BCL are bearing the brunt of the blues
Trouble times: Workers at BCL are bearing the brunt of the blues

News that BCL Mine workers will get their October salaries later than usual – the second such time this year – is only the latest sign that the glory days at the copper and nickel operation are on hold, at least for now. Staff Writers, MBONGENI MGUNI and ONALENNA MODIKWA KELEBEILE uncover the latest troubles at Botswana’s oldest mine.

Seven years ago, BCL Mine executives gathered in Gaborone and handed government a cheque for approximately P30 million, being the first dividend paid after years of financial stress caused mainly by poor global base metal prices.

Montwedi Mphathi, the then general manager, could afford a smile on that occasion, having steered the mine through a trying period of operational losses, during which he became every unionist’s number one enemy.

Editor's Comment
FMD crisis: We must fight as one

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

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