09 Nov 2020

Botswana Ash is currently conducting a feasibility study to diversify its product through beneficiation of the Sua Pan brines. 

Presenting the State-of-the-Nation Address yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi  said the project was expected to come on stream in 2024. 

The project, he said, would among others produce a premium fertiliser, Sulphate of Potash (SOP) and ultimately increase its contribution to the industrial base of the country and food security. 

As part of government’s commitment to promoting mineral exploration and in response to the increasing demand for technology metals, Dr Masisi said Botswana GeoScience Institute (BGI) had started a consultancy project called Assessment of Mafic, Ultramafic and Granitic Complexes in June 2020. 

He said the project’s primary objective was to identify mineral potential that included Platinum Group Metals, base metals and precious metals, as well as Rare Earth Metals and Battery metals which were currently being explored in the Semarule area. “The project will be completed in February 2023,” he said.

In relation to BCL liquidation, President Masisi said care and maintenance of BCL Group assets at the Selebi Phikwe, Phoenix and Selkirk sites was continuing in order to preserve the locations for potential investors. 

“It is anticipated that by the end of December 2020, a preferred bidder would have been identified with the view to complete the transaction during the course of 2021 after detailed due diligence,” he said. 

In addition, he stated government was making efforts to promote and catalyse domestic cement production, adding that Botswana GeoScience Institute was currently involved in identifying raw materials for cement production. 

So far, President Masisi said Letlhakeng calcrete deposit in the Kweneng West has the potential for a cement plant. 

In addition, Dr Masisi indicated that COVID – 19 had affected the sale of diamonds globally and in order to facilitate local participation in the downstream diamond industry, he added that government had developed a beneficiation strategy to facilitate citizen participation. 

Dr Masisi said the diamond industry was continuing with some strategic projects such as Jwaneng Mine Cut 9, Morupule open cast, Khoemacau mine development and Karowe underground diamond mine.

 “The development of Khoemacau mine is progressing well with planned commissioning during the first quarter of 2021,”said Dr Masisi. 

Currently, he said the mine employs 2 131 of which 1 952 were citizens and has a comprehensive training programme to equip employees with requisite technical skills. 

Regarding Morupule Coal mine open pit and processing plant construction, he said was well underway and anticipated to be commissioned in September 2021. Ends