PPC supports Morupule coal mine
PPC Botswana has injected P600 million in coal purchase from Morupule Coal Mine to SA plant for cement production.
This is part of the company’s initiatives of supporting local industries and advocating for the use of local raw materials. Speaking during a media plant tour PPC’s Head of Business Unit, Tuelo Botlhole pointed out that the acquisition of raw materials locally is a huge boost for PPC’s production process and industry. “This will ensure that we have cement at all times and its readily available at your nearest retail outlet. Our collaboration with Morupule Plant also means that there will be employment creation across industries. This will be a boost to the Palapye community as it will boost its economy. The creation of employment across industries is something that we value and endorse at PPC Botswana.”
The cement manufacturing company acquires 230,000 metric tons of coal worth P600 million annually for daily operational use. Some of the coal is transported to the PPC plant located in Slurry, South Africa. Botlhole explained that their value creation goes beyond high quality products for the sure range which caters for major construction projects such as iTowers and Dikatlong dam to basic home use or general-purpose cement, we export coal for the value that exceeds P600 million per annum. Our close relationships with local industry players ensure the value is injected directly into the Botswana economy,” said Botlhole. PPC Botswana’s relationship with Morupule Coal mine started 27 years ago. PPC Botswana’s fly ash requirement for its production process was historically bought from Morupule A Power Station during the period 1995 to 2011. It was unfortunate when in 2011 Morupule A was decommissioned.
Botlhole also shared the difficulties that local cement producers are facing due to cement product dumping that is currently taking place in Botswana. He said cement product dumping has been a concerning problem in the industry as they have been concerned by the amount of cement dumping by regional and international industry players who do not add value to the local economy, through skills development CSI, local value chains and employment. “This has even contributed to some industry players losing business and shutting down operations leading to mass unemployment which is also a burden to the economy. In the last couple of years, PPC Botswana recognized a decline in its market share in Botswana. “
Over the years PPC Botswana has played a huge role in the development of Botswana. The PPC cement was used in the construction process of several iconic structures such as the Mohembo Bridge, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Dikgatlhong Dam and Boatle-Game City road to mention a few.