MCM hosts internal First AID Competition as mines test emergency response skills

Morupule Coal Mine has brought together first aid teams from across Botswana’s mining and energy sectors for the 2026 MCM Internal First Aid Competitions, held under the theme “First Aid in Migration Contexts.”

Giving an overview of the event, MCM Head of Human Resources Ronald Kgafela said the competition was an opportunity to strengthen emergency response capabilities and prepare first aiders for situations where timely intervention can save lives.

“In an emergency, what matters is not where a person comes from, but whether someone nearby knows what to do, can remain calm and is prepared to act,” Kgafela said.

He said the competition would test more than technical first-aid skills, with participants also required to demonstrate decision-making, communication, teamwork and composure under pressure.

Teams from Debswana, Lucara, BotAsh, Sandfire, BPC and BIUST joined MCM teams in the competition, with Kgafela encouraging participants to use the event to exchange knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

“The real value of today is therefore not the trophy, but the capability we take away from it,” he said.

The competition also serves as preparation for the BCM Inter-Mines First Aid Competition, where MCM will be represented by two teams.

MCM recorded zero major injuries and zero lost-time injuries in 2025, simultaneously, MCM is marking 25 years without a single fatality at its operations.

Kgafela said the ultimate objective was shared across participating organisations: “people returning safely to their families.”