Plans to establish Botswana’s proposed Centre of Mining Excellence took a step forward this week with the successful delivery of its first pilot training programme at Maun Technical College.
The pilot initiative, designed to test training approaches and inform the development of the Centre, brought together 50 participants for two courses focused on contemporary mining practices, workforce requirements, and health, safety and risk management. The programme forms part of broader efforts to address skills shortages in Botswana’s mining industry through closer collaboration between government, industry and education institutions.
A key feature of the project is its partnership with Australia’s University of Queensland, whose Sustainable Minerals Institute is helping develop a curriculum aligned with the needs of mining companies operating in Botswana.
Professors Doug Aitken and Maureen Hassall from the Institute travelled to Botswana to deliver the training and engage with participants, contributing to knowledge-sharing and curriculum development.
The collaboration extends beyond mining-specific training.
The Sustainable Minerals Institute is also providing a workshop for Maun Technical College leadership on the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, as well as leadership for organisational impact.
The Sustainable Minerals Institute is also providing a workshop for Maun Technical College leadership on the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, as well as leadership for organisational impact.
Professor Rick Valenta, Director of the Sustainable Minerals Institute, said the pilot programme demonstrated the benefits of cooperation between industry, government and academia.
“The Sustainable Minerals Institute has enjoyed a productive partnership with MMG over many years, and we are pleased to support the development of the Centre of Mining Excellence through collaboration with industry, government and education partners,” he said. Valenta said Botswana’s longstanding investment in education and skills development created favourable conditions for the initiative and expressed optimism about the Centre’s potential contribution to the country’s mining sector.
MMG President for Africa Operations, Weiquan Xia, described the pilot programme as an important milestone in the Centre’s development.
He said the project was intended to create opportunities for Batswana pursuing careers in mining while supporting the sector’s growth and wider economic development.
“The Centre is intended to be industry-led, and we are encouraged by the strong expressions of interest received from other mining companies operating in Botswana that are seeking to participate and contribute to its success,” Xia said.
Planning for the Centre of Mining Excellence remains underway, with work continuing to assess site requirements and other infrastructure needed to support its establishment at Maun Technical College.
