19 Oct 2020

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi says it was necessary for Botswana Geoscience Institution (BGI) to re-brand after transforming from the then Botswana Geological Surveys in 2014.

Unveiling the institution’s new logo, which indicates evolution in the practice of geoscience in Botswana in Lobatse on Thursday, Mr Moagi said brands should always evolve with transformation in scope of work of their organizations.

“I want to commend the BGI team for having worked on this unique trade mark that has a purpose of brand building and marketing efforts. This is one corporate identity that I can speak proudly of because it has gone through all the approval processes by the (BGI) board, Companies and Intellectual Properties Authority (CIPA) as well as Cabinet,” Mr Moagi said.

He said the practice of geological survey started in 1943 in this country and went through various stages before BGI was established in 2014.

The minister noted that in the early stages, the geological survey in this country focused primarily on the search for ground water during the Bechuanaland Protectorate era. As time went on, the minister said it also included the search for coal and other mineral exploration.

“The post-independence era ushered in the discovery of base metals and diamonds, which put Botswana high on the list of priorities for several mining companies. 

Since then, the practice of geological survey has progressed and evolved with the inclusion of geological mapping, geophysics, economic geology, hydro geology, environmental geology, laboratory facilities as well as the national geosciences information centre,” the minister said.

He said government therefore in 2014 decided to form BGI because there was need to improve efficiencies in carrying out geoscience research.

“BGI has the prospect to innovatively apply science and technology to understand the earth for the greater benefit of Botswana and its citizens, and also to broaden the nation’s economic base within the mineral sector,” the minister said.

Mr Moagi said government recently approved a P10-million project to carry out assessment of the country terrain with a view to highlighting areas of high mineral potential such as base metals, rare earth metals, precious metals and platinum group metals.

He said the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2023, also included assessment for ground water potential. “The project has much relevance to a number of the Vision 2036 ideals, in particular the nation’s aspiration of sustainable economic development, human and social development and sustainable environment,” he said. 

He further said the project would result in the revised geological map of Botswana and understanding of mineral systems.

He added that results of the project would go a long way in satisfying requirements of investors and the exploration of mining sector, academia and applied research, as well as in the area of agriculture and land management.

BGI chief executive officer, Mr Tiyapo Ngwisanyi said the organisation had achieved a lot of success, such as development of a corporate strategy, consolidation of assets base and signing of partnerships and collaborations.

He further said they had undertaken projects aimed at attracting investment in the mineral sector as well as safe-guarding the lives of Batswana from geo-hazards.

“Today we take another bold step in our journey as we unveil our new logo, which we will publicly launch in the coming weeks. This logo will serve to emphasise our traditional purpose, strengths and build our credibility and reputation,” Mr Ngwisanyi said.

He said the core mission of the organisation was to support the socio-economic development and quality of life of people.

Among other features the new logo include a compass which signifies speedy discovery of minerals and water, and rendering of advisory service to stakeholders. It also has a magnifying glass, which symbolises the use of latest geo exploration techniques in mapping, mineral assessment and environmental geology. Ends