01 Jun 2016

The newly drafted  mineral policy by the Geo-Science Institute in 2011, which aims at maximising economic benefits will be tabled before Parliament for approval this year.

Addressing Jwaneng full council meeting recently, director of Geo-Science Institute, Mr Moses Tshetlhane said the modernised policy was expected to attract investors, outline and strengthen government role in minerals.

The policy, he said, sought to strengthen institutional frame work as well as diversify the mineral sector to create a competitive environment. It also seeks to create conducive environment for women.

“We seek to anchor industrialisation where we will also be the manufacturers, setting up jewelry factories as per the SADC mining protocol,” he said.

He said there was a need to monitor developing trends in the diamond industry such as the emerging of synthetic diamonds which could have a negative impact on Botswana’s real diamonds.

He however noted that they were hopeful that further explorations could be done as long as the policy was aligned to the National Development plan.

Mr Tshetlhane also highlighted that the policy would promote Botswana as a sustainable coal miner and foster effective partnership.

Currently, the institute is in the process of consulting stakeholders to solicit comments and suggestions, which will be incorporated in the draft.  Ends