13 Jun 2017

Government has developed a strategy to make Botswana a top 10 mining destination.

This was said by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang when opening the resource sector conference in Gaborone on June 12.

Advocate Kebonang said Botswana would attain a top 10 destination of choice through private sector investment and boosting confidence.

He added that it would see Botswana emerge as a mining centre of excellence.

He said the strategy would also ensure affordable, accessible and sustainable supply of energy to Botswana through multiple sources.

He added that the country also aimed at becoming a net energy exporter within the region.

“My ministry will continue to make the necessary reviews to legislation and policies to ensure that they are conducive to sustainable mineral exploration, mining and energy development,” he said.

He said significant progress had been made to place Botswana on track to becoming a mining centre of excellence.

Advocate Kebonang noted that the government has proposed changes to the Mines and Minerals Act, Precious and Semi-Precious Stones Act and Diamond Cutting Act.

He said the amendments were necessary to set up mine closure funds for rehabilitation, to pursue citizen economic empowerment initiatives, to ensure safe use of explosives and to prevent their use in criminal activities.

He added that the amendments would also remove trade barriers and increase penalties to deter illegal trade in the diamond sector.

The minister said it has been a good year as shown by the diamantaires’ appetite for rough diamonds.

“There is, however, rising concern that strong rough diamonds prices were getting ahead of polished diamonds, and this has the potential to compromise the sustainability of the diamond manufacturing industry,” he said.

He noted that prices were starting to rebound, but said the mineral sector has not yet recovered from the decline of commodity prices.

Advocate Kebonang also noted that Mowana Copper Mine had commenced operations.

“It is our hope that BCL and Tati Nickel mines, being the largest employers in the mining sector, will soon find investors and commence operations,” he said.

The minister said investors should be encouraged to seek opportunities in the north-western part of Botswana, saying it could provide another opportunity for diversification away from diamonds.

He said they were working hard to complete the development of a 400KV transmission line from Morupule to Maun, noting that it would support potential mining and businesses by providing a cheaper and more stable source of power.

The minister further said a national energy policy would be tabled during the July sitting of Parliament.

He also said the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) had been established to regulate the sector.

The minister also said government has approved an initiative that would facilitate potential holders of coal bed methane prospecting licences to develop gas fueled power plants with a combined power production of 100MW.

He said the ministry was also interested in renewable energy. ENDS