The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) has raised alarm over looming job losses and poor safety standards at MP Mining, the operator of the Kopano Copper Mining project near Dukwi village in the Central District.
MP Mining, a foreign investor-owned company, extracts copper and cobalt—two critical minerals in high demand internationally. The company employs approximately 750 workers on short-term contracts and has been generating substantial revenue from mineral exports.
The BMWU, the only recognized trade union in Botswana’s mining sector and the bargaining agent for MP Mining employees, had long pushed for the conversion of short-term contracts to permanent, pensionable employment. Although management eventually agreed to the proposal on 28 October 2025, the decision came on the eve of contract expirations scheduled for November and December. The union had proposed immediate effect on the conversion, but MP Mining opted to implement it only in February 2026, a move the union claims is a strategy to reduce the workforce.
The union further criticised MP Mining for poor health and safety standards at the mine. Despite repeated warnings and formal notices of non-compliance with the Mines Quarries Works and Machinery regulations, the company allegedly failed to address the concerns, resulting in a fatal incident.
“MP Mining’s refusal to convert contracts immediately is tantamount to denying sustainable employment,” said BMWU General Secretary Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe. “This contravenes the government’s commitment to create 100,000 jobs annually and violates the National Employment Policy, which aims to cut unemployment by 10% by 2030.”
The union further criticised MP Mining for poor health and safety standards at the mine. Despite repeated warnings and formal notices of non-compliance with the Mines Quarries Works and Machinery regulations, the company allegedly failed to address the concerns, resulting in a fatal incident.
“The psychological safety of employees to report hazards is being compromised,” Gaekgotswe added. “Workers face threats, victimization, and even non-renewal of contracts for raising safety issues. In spite of the fatality, no substantial safety measures have been put in place.”
BMWU has called on MP Mining management to:
Immediately convert short-term contracts to permanent, pensionable positions;
Comply with all health and safety regulations;
Allow employees to freely report workplace risks without fear of retaliation.
The union also urged the government, through the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy, to intervene swiftly to protect jobs, enforce safety regulations, and make labour non-compliance a condition for revoking mining licenses. Regular joint inspections of the mine were also recommended.
Gaekgotswe appealed to stakeholders, including local communities and legislators, to join the fight against job losses and unsafe working conditions at MP Mining.
