Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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Botswana is advancing a strategic agenda to export its diamond sorting, valuation and beneficiation expertise across the region, leveraging more than five decades of industry leadership and the institutional capabilities of the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB).
The initiative was highlighted during an official visit by Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, who toured DTCB facilities as part of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining sector. Hosting the delegation, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, said the engagement reflects Botswana’s intent to deepen regional value chain integration through skills transfer and technical collaboration.
“We are exploring strategic partnerships that will strengthen the resilience of the regional mining sector while fostering industrial development and long-term economic collaboration between the two countries,” said Kenewendo. She noted that the discussions are focused on enabling structured cooperation that allows Botswana to export technical expertise while supporting capability development in Lesotho’s emerging mining ecosystem. Matekane welcomed the engagement, calling for clear frameworks to unlock shared opportunities across the mining value chain.
Established in 2008, DTCB has grown into the world’s largest and most advanced rough diamond sorting and valuation operation, reinforcing Botswana’s position as a global benchmark in diamond governance, transparency and technical excellence. In a separate engagement with international media, Kenewendo also pointed to early signs of recovery in the global diamond market, noting improving demand in key markets such as the United States and China. She said recent marketing initiatives promoting Botswana’s natural diamonds, anchored on provenance, authenticity and sustainability are beginning to restore consumer confidence.
She added that inventory levels are gradually normalising, supported by disciplined supply management across the value chain, while sustained investment in global diamond marketing continues to position natural diamonds as “real, rare, responsible and developmental.” Beyond diamonds, Botswana is accelerating efforts to diversify its mining base, with growing investor interest in copper, nickel, platinum group metals, rare earths and uranium. The Kalahari Copper Belt in particular continues to attract exploration activity, reinforcing the country’s long-term ambition to broaden its resource portfolio.
The Minister also reiterated Botswana’s commitment to responsible mining, highlighting the balance between resource development, revenue generation and environmental conservation including the protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems alongside mining expansion.
