Morupule Coal Mine Takes the Lead at the Future of Mining Summit 2025
The Future of Mining Summit 2025 opened with energy and purpose under the theme “New Opportunities, Smart Partnerships”, marking the start of two days of powerful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within Botswana’s mining sector. Held at Boipuso Hall, the summit continues to gain traction as a critical platform for shaping the future of mining in Botswana and beyond.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Edwin Elias, CEO of Morupule Coal Mine, Chairman of the Botswana Chamber of Mines, and Chair of the Summit, set the tone with a powerful message about transformation. He called for radical collaboration as the key to unlocking mining’s full potential through localisation, inclusive growth, and technology-driven innovation.
“To build a sustainable future, we must invest in partnerships that are smart, local, and future-focused,” said Mr. Elias.
The summit, boasting increased participation from international delegates and sponsors, demonstrated the region’s rising influence and strategic importance in the global mining value chain.
Highlighting the Future of Coal: Beneficiation and Sustainable Development
On Day 1, Mr. Nelson Nareetsile, Head of Beneficiation at Morupule Coal Mine, addressed the audience on the untapped potential of coal beneficiation in Africa. He stressed the ongoing relevance of coal in the global energy mix, particularly in Asia and Africa, where demand for metallurgical coal used in steel production remains high.
“Beneficiation is key to adding value locally and aligning coal with sustainable development,” Mr. Nareetsile stated.
He advocated for investment in dry beneficiation technologies, regional processing hubs, and supportive policies to increase local value creation, reduce environmental impact, and create employment opportunities in the mining sector.
Unlocking Value Through Smart Local Partnerships
Another standout session featured Ms. Tirelo Ramasedi, who emphasized the transformative power of collaboration across the mining value chain. Her key message was clear: procurement and supply chain partnerships can unlock business opportunities and job creation for Botswana’s citizens.
From transportation and equipment repairs to local processing and manufacturing, Ms. Ramasedi outlined how strategic procurement can become a driver of inclusive economic growth, if stakeholders commit to empowering local businesses.
Morupule Coal Mine Shares Carbon Neutrality Vision
On Day 2, Morupule continued to lead high-level conversations on the future of sustainable mining. The day began with the arrival of Hon. Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, welcomed by Mr. Elias, who once again set a forward-looking tone for the day.
Later, Ms. Patricia Nkuna, Head of Safety and Sustainability at MCM, participated in a dynamic panel on “Achieving Carbon Neutrality”, where she outlined the mine’s commitment to a responsible energy transition.
“We’ve taken a strategic decision to transition responsibly, and we are building the right partnerships to get there,” she shared.
Ms. Nkuna highlighted MCM’s plans to diversify through initiatives such as methane capture, sulphur beneficiation for fertilizer, and investments in solar energy and storage solutions. These are all part of MCM’s broader ambition to align with national and global sustainability standards, while continuing to secure Botswana’s energy future.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
As the summit concluded, one thing was clear: Morupule Coal Mine is at the forefront of responsible and transformative mining in Africa. From driving value through beneficiation and localisation to advancing a low-carbon future, MCM is shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient mining sector, one partnership at a time.
The Future of Mining Summit 2025 has not only reaffirmed Morupule’s leadership but also ignited fresh momentum for industry-wide collaboration, innovation, and growth.
