In 2021, the mining sector in Botswana accounted for about 85% of Botswana’s foreign exchange earnings, one-third of government revenue, 25% of GDP and makes up about 20% of total employment. Botswana’s mining industry is dominated by diamonds. Botswana is the world’s largest diamond producing country by value and the second largest by volume. Most of Botswana’s diamond production is gem quality. Other minerals mined include nickel, copper, coal, soda ash, gold silver, semiprecious stones, and granite. More recently, exploration has included minerals such as uranium, graphite and lithium.
In this series of spotlight reports on Mining in Botswana, we provide orientation on the mining sector, highlight opportunities and challenges, and we explore technological, economic and policy trends.
Mining in Botswana - 01 - Introduction, Opportunities and Challenges
In this first spotlight of the Mining in Botswana series of reports, introductory orientation is provided on Botswana’s mining sector, opportunities in the form of both emerging and existing projects are introduced, and challenges facing the mining sector are outlined.
Mining in Botswana - 02 - Technology, Innovation and Energy Efficiency
In this second spotlight of the Mining in Botswana series of reports, the adoption and utilisation of prospecting and mining technologies in the region is explored as well as the state of innovation in the country. Additionally, the topic of electricity generation and energy efficiency is briefly explored.
Mining in Botswana - 03 - Trade, Policy and Legal Framework
In this third spotlight of the Mining in Botswana series of reports, Botswana’s mining sector is explored in the context of trade, taxation, policy and regulatory frameworks.
