The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) has warned of possible job losses and continued safety risks at Kopano Copper Mine, operated by MP Mining near Dukwi in the Central District.
MP Mining, a foreign-owned copper and cobalt producer, employs about 750 workers on short-term contracts. BMWU General Secretary Mbiganyi Gaekgotswe said that despite strong global demand for critical minerals and the company’s steady export revenues, workers remain trapped in insecure employment.
Gaekgotswe accused the company of stalling efforts to convert short-term contracts to permanent, pensionable positions. He said management only agreed to the conversion on Oct. 28, just days before many contracts were due to expire, and that the planned implementation date of February 2026 leaves workers vulnerable in the interim.
“Management’s tactics are clear. They are seeking to reduce the workforce by letting contracts expire, leaving workers jobless. In a country where unemployment is already in double digits, this approach is unacceptable,” he said.
Gaekgotswe said companies mining critical minerals should adhere to the highest labour standards and that relying on temporary contracts while posting healthy profits falls short of decent work practices.
The union also raised escalating concerns about safety at the mine. It says it has repeatedly warned MP Mining about poor health and safety conditions and has issued formal notices of non-compliance under the Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery regulations. Despite this, a fatal accident occurred recently, underscoring what the union calls ongoing and preventable dangers.
“The bigger issue is the psychological safety of employees. Workers fear retaliation or dismissal if they raise safety concerns. Yet nothing has been done by management to address the risks,” Gaekgotswe said.
Kopano Copper Mine confirmed in October that an employee had died following an incident on site, saying in a statement, “Tragically, one of our employees lost their life as a result of the incident.”
The BMWU is urging immediate intervention. Gaekgotswe called on MP Mining to convert contracts without delay, comply fully with safety regulations and guarantee workers the freedom to report hazards without fear. He also pressed the Ministries of Labour and Minerals to enforce compliance through regular inspections and said legislators and local communities must be involved to address job security and safety standards.
“Without swift intervention, MP Mining continues to expose workers to risk and undermine labour rights. The government must step in to prevent further fatalities and ensure sustainable employment,” he said.
BMWU leaders said job security and safe working conditions are fundamental rights and urged both the company and authorities to act promptly.
