News

As part of its goal to transition to renewable energy, Shumba Energy has received the first equity pledges to create an $80 million solar project in Botswana. Shumba Renewables, the company’s green energy subsidiary, has secured $950,000 in commitments from overseas investors, according to Shumba Energy’s MD Mashale Phumaphi, who …

In the third quarter ended September 30, diamond miner Lucara Diamond Corp’s Karowe mine in Botswana produced 97 412 ct of diamonds, compared to 88 909 ct in the third quarter of 2020. There were 212 “special” diamonds totalling more than 10.8 ct in the production. The recovery of four …

Despite calls to abandon coal, work on Botswana’s second privately-owned coal mine is set to begin in the first quarter of next year, according to the CEO of Maatla Resources. The southern African country signed a global commitment to reduce the use of highly polluting coal at the COP26 climate …

The proven mining-sector material handling capability of Unitrans Africa (UA) is laying the groundwork for a bright future marked by unique innovation in key areas of the company’s operations. Unitrans Africa’s bold, long-term vision includes electric vehicles as well as real-time stockpile management and reporting. But none of these concepts …

The Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) wants a serious discussion among key stakeholders about the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology into Botswana’s mining sector. Botswana’s mining companies are catching up to the rest of the world by incorporating new technology into their operations. However, the use of new …

In an operational report for the quarter ending September, Tlou Energy Limited detailed the progress made at its Lesedi coal-bed-methane gas-to-power project in Botswana. Tlou intends to build gas and solar power generation assets at Lesedi, the company’s most advanced project, with electricity sold to the grid. During the quarter, …

According to a company official, Botswana’s first iron ore mine, Ikongwe, has begun production and delivered its first exports to China as the Southern African country works to diversify its economy away from diamonds. Although the contribution of diamond mining to GDP has declined over the years and was less …

Many African governments take a short-term, predatory approach to the sector, playing to populist rhetoric, rather than engaging it as a long-term developmental partner. Africa has the potential to be the continent of the future in the mining industry. However, if government’s approach mining companies in a predatory manner, this …

Botswana signed a 10-megawatt gas-fired power deal with Tlou Energy (TOU.AX) on Monday, as the southern African country attempts to strengthen its energy security and diversify away from polluting coal. Botswana wants to add 600 megawatts (MW) of solar, coal, and gas-fired electricity in the next five years as part …

According to a recent assessment published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Botswana’s wind and solar electricity, as well as copious biomass wastes, can be used to enhance access to energy services. The assessment, titled Renewables Readiness Assessment: Botswana, stated that short-to-medium-term actions in the areas of policy, regulatory, …