10. LABORATORY TECHNICIAN – PASTE FILL
We are looking for suitably qualified, highly motivated, talented, innovative, hands-on, dynamic team players capable of working both collaboratively and independently. Suitable candidates should possess a high level of integrity, show strong commitment, and express the desire to deliver operational excellence through Zero Harm. Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent attention to detail and hazard awareness, good communication and report-writing abilities, and proficiency in data collection and interpretation. The positions are based at the Mine Site located between Maun and Sefhiring in Ngamiland. To be successful, you must enjoy getting out on site and have the enthusiasm and interest to work in a remote location, as well as deliver in a multicultural work environment. Only Botswana Citizens May Apply. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Maun
- Category: Mining & Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Suitable candidates should possess a high level of integrity, show strong commitment, and express the desire to deliver operational excellence through Zero Harm.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent attention to detail and hazard awareness, good communication and report-writing abilities, and proficiency in data collection and interpretation.
- To be successful, you must enjoy getting out on site and have the enthusiasm and interest to work in a remote location, as well as deliver in a multicultural work environment.
Requirements
- A valid class B driver’s license and good driving record is a must for all positions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications through either of the following platforms: careers.mmg.com, follow these steps to apply:
Visit www.mmg.com
Click on Careers
Select Current Opportunities
From the Location drop-down menu, select Khoemacau Mine
Click on the job you wish to apply for, then select “Apply Now.”
Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. To the applicants not shortlisted we extend our appreciation for considering MMG/Khoemacau Copper Mining as a potential employer.
About the Company
MMG-Khoemacau Copper Mining operates a major underground copper-silver mine situated within Botswana's resource-rich Kalahari Copperbelt. This advanced operation is a significant producer of high-grade copper concentrate and silver, crucial commodities for the global transition to green energy. Since its acquisition by MMG Limited in 2023, the company has continued to prioritize operational excellence, safety, and technological innovation. It stands as a key contributor to Botswana's economic diversification, creating numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities for local citizens. The company is deeply committed to sustainable development and community upliftment across its areas of operation.
Leading copper-silver production from Botswana's Kalahari Copperbelt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Laboratory Technician – Paste Fill role in Botswana’s mining sector?
A National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Mining Engineering, or a related science field from a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited institution is usually required. Employers also expect valid Botswana Mine Health and Safety (BMHS) certification and completion of the MMG-specific site induction and paste fill technical training. Some roles may require prior experience with ASTM or ISO-standard testing methods relevant to cementitious backfill materials.
What does a typical day look like for a Laboratory Technician working on paste fill operations at a copper mine like Khoemacau?
You’ll collect, prepare, and test paste fill samples for density, slump, bleeding, compressive strength, and rheology using on-site lab equipment and standardised BHP Billiton or MMG procedures. Daily tasks include calibrating instruments, maintaining accurate electronic and physical logs compliant with Botswana’s Mines and Minerals Act, and liaising with geotechnical and production teams to adjust mix designs based on real-time results.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for laboratory technicians in Botswana’s mining industry compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and adherence to strict safety protocols — especially the ‘Stop Work Authority’ principle — are deeply embedded in Botswana’s mining culture. Teamwork is highly valued, and technicians are expected to communicate clearly in English while being culturally sensitive to local languages and customs, particularly when collaborating with community-hired staff or during joint inspections by the Department of Mines.
What realistic career progression opportunities exist for a Laboratory Technician in paste fill within Botswana’s resources sector?
With 3–5 years’ experience and further BQA-recognised upskilling (e.g., Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or short courses in geotechnical lab management), you may advance to Senior Lab Technician or Lab Supervisor roles. Some technicians transition into quality assurance, mine planning support, or health and safety coordination — especially if they obtain Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) or Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) accredited short courses.
What standard benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can I expect as a Laboratory Technician employed by an international mining company operating in Botswana?
Employers typically provide 22–30 days annual leave, full medical aid coverage through a Botswana-registered provider (e.g., Medshield Botswana or BONFIRE), and mandatory contributions to the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BOPOPF) or a registered private pension scheme. Additional benefits often include housing allowance or camp accommodation, transport assistance, and access to onsite wellness and skills development programmes aligned with the Botswana National Development Plan (NDP 11).
How do I apply for this role, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for beyond qualifications?
Applications are usually submitted via MMG’s official careers portal or through Botswana’s national job platform, Botswana Job Portal (BJP), and must include certified academic documents and BMHS certificates. Employers prioritise candidates with proven reliability, strong written English for reporting, familiarity with Botswana’s mining regulatory framework, and evidence of safety-conscious behaviour — such as incident-free work history or participation in local safety committees.