The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo has revealed that Botswana is drafting the new Mines and Minerals Regulation which will introduce minimum beneficiation requirements across all mineral groups, tighten renewal processes of licenses, particularly those prospecting to eliminate speculators.
Kenewendo stated that the regulations will also encourage real investment to yield production, employment and economic diversification, and will also strengthen around local content and citizen economic participation.
Speaking during the official opening of the Future of Mining Summit 2026 held in Gaborone this week, Kenewendo noted that there has been thorough consultation with the industry on the regulations.
“We are working to increase investments in exploration, this is not just an ambition but something that we are actively working on, strong mining sector depends on robust pipeline of discoveries and bankable projects, yet exploration remains one of the most capital, intensive and high-risk stages of the value chain and we have not invested as we needed to in this space,” she said.
In order to stimulate more investment, Kenewendo indicated that they have through the exploration investment company of Botswana identified various sites that will attract and stimulate investment in these spaces. She added that they are placing renewed emphasis on strengthening exploration, improving access to geological data, enhancing resource mapping and creating mechanisms that are attractive and de-risk investment into early-stage projects. Kenewendo highlighted that by doing so they aim to unlock under explored mineral potential and build a sustainable pipeline of future mining developments.
Kenewendo further highlighted key priority areas, urging the mining sector to work with the government and the community at large to create real development. These priorities include alignment to NDP12 and BETP on job creation, strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that aligns with the national priority, and improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
In his remarks, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe noted that Botswana’s ambition is to move further because of mining, citing that mining will remain one of Botswana’s greatest strategic advantages, but its role must evolve, from being the foundation of the economy to becoming the catalyst for a far more diversified, innovative and resilient one.
“For many years, the success of mining was measured primarily by the value of the minerals we exported. Today, we must ask not only what leaves the mine gate, but what grows around it. Every mine should become the nucleus of a wider industrial ecosystem; one that supports manufacturing, engineering, logistics, financial services, research, digital technologies and citizen owned enterprises. The true wealth of mining is found in the industries, capabilities and opportunities it creates above ground,” he said.
Gaolathe said that the supply chain that mining requires and the value chain it feeds are both opportunities they are moving to capture inside Botswana’s own borders. He added that every mine in Botswana currently imports the chemicals, components and energy equipment it needs to operate and exports its output before a single dollar of processing value has been added domestically.
“As the world accelerates its transition towards cleaner energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, demand for strategic minerals such as copper, nickel, manganese and other critical minerals continues to grow. Botswana is well positioned not only to supply those minerals responsibly, but to become a trusted destination for value addition, industrial development and long-term investment,” he said.
He stated that their ambition is to move progressively up global value chains, ensuring that a larger share of the prosperity generated by mineral endowment is created within Botswana.
