Montwedi Mphathi was born in Botswana.  After his high school he got a scholarship to study in Canada and obtained a Diploma in Mining Technology from Haileybury School of Mines. He later obtained a B.Eng Mining degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. After completing his education in Canada, he came back to Botswana to start his mining career. A few years later, he earned a scholarship to study at City University in London, UK and obtained a M.Sc. in Industrial and Administrative Sciences.

 Mr Mphathi has over 35 years in operations management including leadership roles at BCL Mining and Smelting and Botswana Ash. He was the first Botswana citizen to lead both businesses, where he was credited with improving safety, productivity and profitability.  He is currently the President of the Botswana Chamber of Mines.