As part of its initiatives of supporting local industries and advocating for the use of local raw materials, PPC Botswana says it acquires P600 million worth of coal from Morupule Coal Mine annually.
PPC’s Head of Business Unit Tuelo Botlhole says the coal is transported to the PPC plant located in Slurry, South Africa for daily operational use. “Our close relationships with local industry players ensure the value is injected directly into the Botswana economy,” says Botlhole. PPC Botswana’s relationship with Morupule Coal mine started in 27 years ago. PPC Botswana’s fly ash requirement for its production process was historically bought from Morupule A Power Station during the period 1995 – 2011. It was unfortunate when in 2011 Morupule A was decommissioned.
“The acquisition of raw materials locally is a huge boost for our production process and industry this will ensure that we have cement at all times and is readily available at your nearest retail outlet,” says Botlhole who adds that this will be a boost to the Palapye community as it will boost its economy. “The creation of employment across industries is something that we value and endorse at PPC Botswana.”
At PPC Botswana he says they believe that buying local is the best way to be environmentally friendly while supporting local communities at the same time. “By acquiring local raw materials, as consumers, we help stimulate the local economy, help create and retain valuable jobs, support families and strengthen community and culture,” says Botlhole.
The PPC Botswana Head of Business Unit also shared the difficulties that local cement producers are facing due to cement product dumping that is currently taking place in Botswana. He noted “cement product dumping has been a concerning problem in our industry”. Over the years PPC Botswana has played a huge role in the development of Botswana. The PPC cement was used in the construction process of several iconic structures such as the Mohembo Bridge, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Dikgatlhong Dam and Boatle-Game City road to mention a few.
