Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd is a Soda Ash and Salt producing Company situated at Sua Pan in Botswana, approximately 180 km by tarred road northwest of Francistown. The Company employs over 500 employees. Employees and their families live in Sowa Town, about 20 km from the plant site. The town boasts of recreational facilities, which include restaurant, tennis, squash, swimming and golf. There is also a premium English medium pre-primary, primary and secondary school as well as public primary and junior secondary schools.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following position:
GRADUATE ENGINEER-MECHANICAL
Job Summary:
Under the mentorship of Plant Engineers, the successful candidate should be passionate about improving plant maintenance, plant reliability and prediction of failures, troubleshooting, and conducting root-cause failure analysis.
Job Summary
- Employer: Botswana Ash (PTY) LTD.
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Engineering
- Salary: competitive remuneration package, commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
- Closing Date: 2026-09-28
Key Responsibilities
- Under the mentorship of Plant Engineers, the successful candidate should be passionate about improving plant maintenance, plant reliability and prediction of failures, troubleshooting, and conducting root-cause failure analysis.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Engineering- Mechanical or equivalent.
- At least 2 years post qualification experience.
- Knowledge of process pumps, crushers, heat exchangers, compressors, large rotating machines, boilers and materials handling equipment.
- Knowledge of computerised maintenance management systems.
- Registration with professional membership: ERB, BIE and any other equivalent professional membership.
- Driver’s license.
Salary
competitive remuneration package, commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: botash.mcidirecthire.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to apply for a Graduate Mechanical Engineer position at Botswana Ash or similar mining companies?
You typically need a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering accredited by the Botswana Engineers Registration Board (ERB) or Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Many employers also prefer candidates who have completed or are working toward professional registration as a Candidate Engineer. Practical experience through internships or vacation work at mining or industrial facilities in Botswana is highly advantageous.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Graduate Mechanical Engineer in Botswana's mining sector?
You will assist senior engineers with equipment maintenance planning, troubleshooting mechanical failures on processing plant machinery, and conducting reliability studies. Daily tasks often include field inspections, preparing technical reports, and supporting shutdown planning. You will also collaborate with artisans and contractors to ensure compliance with mine safety regulations under the Botswana Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act.
How does career progression work for mechanical engineers in Botswana's mining industry?
Graduate engineers typically progress to Junior Engineer after 2-3 years upon achieving professional registration with ERB. With experience, you can advance to Senior Engineer, Principal Engineer, or move into management roles such as Engineering Manager or Technical Services Manager. Some engineers transition into project management, consulting, or specialized technical roles in areas like reliability engineering or asset management.
What benefits are typically offered to graduate engineers at major employers like Botswana Ash?
Benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and annual leave entitlements aligned with Botswana's labour laws. Many mining companies provide housing allowances or subsidized accommodation, especially for positions in remote locations like Sua Pan. Additional perks may include performance bonuses, study assistance for further qualifications, and transport allowances.
What should I include in my application to stand out to Botswana mining employers?
Highlight any practical experience with heavy industrial equipment, maintenance planning software, or exposure to mining environments through attachments at companies like Debswana, BCL, or Morupule Coal Mine. Emphasize your understanding of local safety standards and your willingness to work in remote locations. Include your academic transcripts, proof of ERB registration or ECSA accreditation, and references from supervisors who can speak to your technical competence and work ethic.
What is the work culture like for graduate engineers at Botswana mining companies?
The culture emphasizes safety-first principles, with strict adherence to lock-out procedures and risk assessments before any mechanical work. Hierarchical respect is important, and you will be expected to learn from senior engineers and artisans while gradually taking on more responsibility. Punctuality, reliability, and willingness to work extended hours during plant shutdowns or emergencies are valued traits in Botswana's mining sector.
