13 Jul 2021

Signs of recovery are visible in the minerals sector following the negative impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Briefing the media about the mineral concessions and mining investment opportunities in Botswana on Monday, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi said Botswana remained the largest diamond producer by value and investors continued to show optimism for the development of minerals in the country.

He said the Jwaneng Mine Cut 9 Project, which commenced on March 3, 2019, would extend the life of the mine from 2028 to 2035.

He revealed that in April, the operations successfully transitioned from contractor mining to owner mining, with Debswana taking over former Majwe Mining to reduce project costs.

He said the mining sector had generated many jobs for Batswana, adding that the Jwaneng Mine Cut 9 Project currently employed 873 people.

He said that Debswana was also targeting to develop citizen suppliers in key areas of the mining value chain.

On another point, he said Lucara Botswana had started its underground expansion at Karowe mine, with 300 employees under the project.

Meanwhile, the minister said the Khoemacau Copper Mine had completed construction of the copper and silver mechanised underground operation and refurbishment of the processing plant at Toteng.

The mine currently employs 2 347 employees, 2 142 (91.3 per cent) of whom are Botswana citizens.

He also gave progress of the other mines as well as on exploration for oil in Shakawe, saying he had consulted the community of Shakawe and concerned stakeholders on the issue. Ends