en.Wedoany.com Reported - Westfill has been awarded a contract for backfill engineering and employee training at Botswana's Khoemacau copper mine, with the scope of work covering backfill system implementation and optimization, as well as a structured training program aimed at enhancing local workforce skills. Executive Manager Jordan Marshall stated that expanding specialized backfill and engineering work internationally has been a long-term strategic goal for the company, and this contract also demonstrates the quality of work and customer-contractor relationships between Westfill, MMG, and JCHX.
Westfill's involvement includes underground pipeline installation, paste plant and fixed equipment support, as well as laboratory-based paste sample testing during real-time pouring operations. These activities aim to improve consistency, performance, and overall system reliability. A key priority of the contract is the direct transfer of knowledge to on-site personnel, with operators and team members receiving training in both underground and surface functions, covering paste production and placement, testing, monitoring, and maintenance practices.
The project also marks the first full deployment of Westfill's desktop and tablet application, GOAL. This 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, the system enhances visibility across teams and supports more consistent execution of backfill activities.
Delivery is led by an 11-person specialist team from Westfill, under the direction of Project Manager James Purchase. Key roles in the project include underground paste crew trainers, senior paste plant operators and trainers, maintenance foremen and trainers, and laboratory technicians. The team will work closely with JCHX personnel, integrating into existing operations while introducing refined processes and training frameworks.
The contract builds on existing on-site relationships. Since mid-2025, Westfill personnel have supported on-site backfill engineering activities, and in September 2025, a workshop was held for MMG's senior backfill and mining team. Existing involvement has facilitated the development of operational procedures, including standard operating procedures and backfill strategies. This award reflects ongoing collaboration among project stakeholders and Westfill's capabilities in technical delivery and workforce development.
Purchase stated that the project is not just about service delivery, but the beginning of a strong partnership between Westfill and JCHX. The company is proud to bring Australian backfill expertise to one of Africa's leading mining operations, while working with the JCHX and MMG teams to establish safe, reliable, and sustainable backfill operations. By combining experience with JCHX's local knowledge, the project is helping to develop local capabilities, improve operational performance, and deliver long-term value.
