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A shift beyond diamonds is taking shape at Botswana Diamonds after the company was awarded eight prospecting licences spanning about 7 000 km² in north-western Botswana, opening the door to potential copper and gold exploration.
The licences, valid until 31 December 2028, were selected following an extensive AI-driven analysis of the company’s 95 000 km² Botswana-focused exploration database. Drawing on detailed geophysical survey data, the assessment highlighted strong copper prospectivity, alongside potential for gold and other critical minerals. The same proprietary technology has already delivered results in diamonds, previously identifying six kimberlite-prone areas that had not been reported before, all of which are now covered by the company’s existing licences.
The move into copper reflects both current weakness in the global diamond market and the rising demand for copper and other energy-transition metals. Botswana was cited as an attractive jurisdiction, offering a stable operating environment and proven geological potential. The country already hosts active copper developments by MMG and Sandfire Resources, as well as exploration programmes involving Cobre, which has a joint venture with BHP, Kavango Resources, Galileo Resources and Aterian.
Initial discussions are under way with potential partners around joint ventures to advance exploration on the newly awarded licences. In parallel, plans are being developed for close-interval geophysical and geochemical surveys aimed at defining drill targets. Diamond projects remain part of the longer-term strategy, with capital deployment continuing to be monitored in line with market conditions.
“The further AI analysis of our extensive Botswana exploration database continues to deliver exceptional results. Following the successful identification of kimberlite-prone ground, which led to the discovery of six previously unknown anomalies, we extended our analysis to copper and related minerals. The outcomes were outstanding. We have now secured eight prospecting licences covering many of these areas. Copper and other energy-related minerals are critical to the energy transition for a greener future,” explained John Teeling, Chairperson of Botswana Diamonds.
He added that the company’s core focus would remain diamonds, despite the current downturn in the market. “These market conditions will improve and this approach allows us to continue progressing the business as a mining company while remaining committed to diamonds over the longer term. In the meantime, interest has been shown by third parties in both our technology and in the results and we see clear potential to progress these licences efficiently through partnerships and structured exploration programmes,” concluded Teeling.
