Westfill has been awarded a new backfill-focused contract at the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, combining hands-on operational support with a structured workforce training program from early May 2026.
Executive Manager, Jordan Marshall, said the contract marks an important milestone for the business:
“Extension of our specialist backfill and engineering work internationally, specifically in Botswana, has been a long-term strategic goal of the company, and is testament to the quality of work and client-contractor relationship which exists between Westfill, MMG and JCHX.”
COMBINING BACKFILL DELIVERY WITH ON-SITE CAPABILITY BUILDING
The scope of work centres on implementing and optimising backfill systems across the operation, alongside a structured training program designed to upskill local crews.
Westfill’s involvement spans:
- Underground reticulation installation
- Paste plant and fixed plant support
- Laboratory-based testing of paste samples during live pours
These activities are aimed at improving consistency, performance and overall system reliability across the operation.
A key priority of the contract is transferring knowledge directly to site personnel. Operators and team members will be trained across underground and surface functions, covering everything from paste production and placement through to testing, monitoring and maintenance practices.
EMBEDDING REAL-TIME MONITORING AND STANDARDISED PROCESSES
The project also marks the first full operational deployment of Westfill’s desktop and tablet application, GOAL. The platform is used to track operator development, monitor performance, and provide a structured framework for training delivery.
By aligning training outcomes with real-time operational data, GOAL is improving visibility across teams and supporting more consistent execution of backfill activities on site.
Delivery is led by a specialised Westfill team of 11 personnel, headed by Westfill Project Manager, James Purchase. Key roles mobilised on site include underground paste crew trainers, senior paste plant operators and trainers, maintenance foremen and trainers, and laboratory technicians. The team is working closely with JCHX personnel to integrate into existing operations while introducing refined processes and training frameworks.
BUILDING ON ESTABLISHED SITE RELATIONSHIPS
The contract builds on ongoing involvement from Westfill personnel supporting backfill engineering activities on site since mid-2025, including a workshop held in September 2025 for the senior MMG backfill and mining team. This existing presence has already contributed to the development of operational procedures, including standard operating processes and fill strategies.
The award reflects continued collaboration between project stakeholders and confidence in Westfill’s ability to support both technical delivery and workforce development.
With a dual focus on execution and education, the program is designed to leave a lasting impact beyond the contract term — equipping local teams with the skills and systems required to manage backfill operations independently, in support of safer, more efficient mining outcomes over the long term.
Westfill Project Manager, James Purchase, said:
“This project represents more than just the delivery of a service. It’s the beginning of a strong partnership between Westfill and JCHX. We’re proud to bring our Australian backfill expertise to support one of Africa’s leading mining operations while working alongside the JCHX and MMG team to build a safe, reliable and sustainable backfill operation. By combining our experience with JCHX’s local knowledge we’re helping develop local capability, improve operational performance and deliver long-term value. We’re excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to building on this relationship.”
A STEP FORWARD IN WESTFILL’S INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
The Khoemacau contract stands as a strong example of Westfill’s ability to deliver specialist backfill expertise and training capability tailored to the specific requirements of each site — this time on an international stage. From technical delivery to sustainable knowledge transfer, Westfill continues to build on its reputation as a trusted partner for safe, reliable and high-performing backfill operations, both in Australia and abroad.
Published in the Global Mining Review.