10 Oct 2017

Botswana and other African countries can leverage on their mineral resources endowment to achieve their visions and aspirations.

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said this at the official opening of the 10^th annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Organization of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) in Gaborone on Monday.

Advocate Kebonang said the AGM was a forum for information sharing through networking, which would open avenues for bilateral collaboration in research and development of mineral sectors.

He also said the geological surveys and governments in partnership with private sectors would get to be appreciated for what they were doing to develop mining industry and enhance social and economic wellbeing for their countries.

However, he stated that although Botswana was working on the diversification and development of other sectors of the economy, the country was still determined to continue to monitor and improve mining investments climate to lure investors in the country.

He added that in terms of diversification away from minerals, Botswana still had a long way to go.

Advocate Kebonang said Botswana had in the last 50 years of independence moved from a poor to a middle income country due to minerals especially diamonds.

He noted that some decisive steps were taken as far as diamond beneficiation was concerned; citing the relocation of diamond aggregation and sales from London to Gaborone in 2013 and the Jwaneng cut 8 mine expansion project which started producing diamonds this year.

The minister also stated that a base metal beneficiation study ‘which is still at feasibility stage was also undertaken in 2016.’

Moreover, he noted that as part of restructuring the ministry to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, a number of state owned companies and parastatals were established such as Botswana Geo Science Institute (BGI) which is also still at an infant stage.

He explained that BGI was established to primarily carry out research and deliver quality service as well as advice to the mining fraternity and the government for sustainable minerals development.

Despite the challenges faced by mining companies due to fall in base metal prices and copper belt in North West Botswana, he stated it was an area they wish to encourage investment in as it was capable of providing another means of diversification of economy.

The OAGS president, Mr Alex Nwegbu said geological surveys were national institutions mandated to provide geological data and information required by stakeholders in mining, engineering and other sectors.

He said the OAGS was established in February 2007 to harness and optimise the effectiveness of various national geological surveys and ensure they contributed effectively at regional and continental levels.

Mr Nwegbu stated that OAGS was aware of the impact of the mining value chain in the economy of Botswana, adding that the momentum could be only sustained through the involvement of a strong Botswana Geological Survey as it was applicable with other national geological surveys.

He assured their partners that the deliberations would continue to present actionable and implementable outcomes that would achieve the goal of having a prosperous Africa where natural resources played a major role in enhancing the socio- economic development. Ends