June 16 2010, will be engraved in the chronicles of the country’s mining history to mark the launch of the first Botswana mining museum, education and research centre (BOMMERC).
The development implemented after a series of negotiations between yet to be open Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and BCL mine of Selibe Phikwe is expected to improve the caliber of engineering graduates the country produces and help Selibe Phikwe diversify its economic activities.
BIUST and BCL principals speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last month to mark the kick-start of the said museum will create opportunities for economic development.
“We believe that the signing of this MoU and the subsequent development of this centre will help BIUST tremendously in the achievement of its mandate. It will also provide BIUST an edge in recruiting and attracting some of the students, professors and researchers,” said Kweku Bentil founding vice chancellor and president of BUIST.
Bentil said the mandate of BIUST includes developing employment-ready graduates, engaging in industry-driven research and stimulating economic and social development in Botswana.
He said the signing was the first step toward the development of the facility, while the next step is to raise and secure the necessary funding to refurbish the decommissioned mining shaft, designing and construction of the above ground infrastructure.
Bentil stated that when completely developed BOMMERC will have four major components which are mining, geological teaching and research field laboratory, mining environmental research centre, science educational centre and tourist attraction-geological and mining museum.
Sharing his remarks on the project Montwedi Mphathi the General Manager for BCL cited that all facilities offered will provide a very good opportunity of employment for ready graduates.
“This development comes, as we are gearing for the end of mine life. We must not have a ghost town, it comes in handy to diversify the economy of Selibe Phikwe,” said Mphathi.
“We have not been doing much research for our mines. We have been picking from others,” he added.
Mphathi said it has been a concern for the country’s chamber of mines that a lot of graduates are produced but are not industry ready, hence the continued hiring of expatriates.
On the other hand it is also believed that BIUST and BCL mine partnership will create possibility for students to be exposed to a mine.
The project is also expected to open flood gates to attract tourists to both Botswana and Southern African Development Countries (SADC) region which will usher success to tourism.
Meanwhile chief executive of Botswana Chamber of Mines, Charles Siwawa said the development is a noble cause.
“It’s something that we have been working on as chamber of mines,” said Siwawa highlighting that mining is unlike other professions but needs more practical practice.
He said BOMMERC will give graduates a chance to learn more and stimulate a proper mining environment.
“I think it’s an important development,” he said.
Siwawa challenged other mining companies to make donations towards the development.
