29 Jun 2026

Botswana aims to transform itself into a world-class exploration destination, with plans to increase non-diamond exploration expenditure to P150 million by 2029.

This according to Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo was in a bid to uncover the next generation of mineral wealth.

Speaking at the Future of Mining Summit in Gaborone yesterday, Ms Kenewendo said the plan would be supported by legislative reforms introduced through amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act, which came into effect in October.

Among key provisions of the amended law, she said were local beneficiation requirements, citizen ownership and equity participation of 24 per cent, as well as preferential procurement measures outlined under Section 12 of the Act.

Ms Kenewendo said the amendments also introduced environmental rehabilitation obligations, financial guarantees and tougher penalties for non-compliance in order to discourage speculation and promote strategic value chain development.

Also, Minister Kenewendo pointed out that government intended to intensify efforts to diversify the mining sector by creating a conducive legislative, fiscal and institutional environment aimed at attracting private sector-led mineral exploration and investment.

The country’s ambitions for a diversified mineral sector, she said were captured in the mineral resource development, exploration and value chain strategy.

She said the strategy provided a roadmap for strengthening investment, accelerating exploration activities, advancing beneficiation and deepening citizen participation in the mineral economy.

Although diamonds continue to dominate Botswana’s mining sector, Ms Kenewendo said exploration for copper, silver and other minerals was essential for economic diversification and long-term growth.

She noted that government was committed to expanding the sector beyond diamonds and unlocking the country’s broader mineral potential.
In addition, she said the ministry was finalising the Mines and Minerals Regulations following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.

“The drafting will include, in part, but not limited to, minimum beneficiation requirements across all mineral groups.
It will also include tightening of renewal processes of our licences, particularly prospecting and mining licences, to eliminate speculators,” she said.

Ms Kenewendo added that the regulations would further strengthen local content requirements and citizen economic participation while encouraging genuine investment capable of generating production, employment and economic diversification.

She said local processing and local content development would remain central pillars of the new regulatory framework. ENDS