Botswana Mining Review Comprehensive Coverage of the Progress and Achievements in the Mining Sector
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A new rare earth drilling programme is planned for 2026 at the Gcwihaba project in Botswana, as Tsodilo Resources targets an initial mineral resource estimate in support of the country’s accelerating mining diversification drive.
The company said it is planning up to 15,000 metres of drilling, marking a key step toward defining maiden resources. While Tsodilo did not disclose the expected investment size, it said the programme is intended to position the company within strategic rare earth supply chains, which are gaining geopolitical and industrial importance.
Botswana remains heavily reliant on diamonds, which generate nearly one-third of public revenue but weaker global diamond markets have reinforced the urgency of diversification. Government efforts are already supporting copper, coal, nickel, uranium and battery metals development, creating space for emerging rare earth projects.
Rare earth elements are critical for electric vehicles, wind turbines and advanced electronics. The International Energy Agency estimates global demand could rise to 150,000 tonnes by 2040, up from about 91,000 tonnes in 2024, as countries seek alternatives to China-dominated supply chains.
Beyond rare earths, Tsodilo said earlier work at Gcwihaba also identified indications of copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and silver, although economic viability still needs to be confirmed. If a maiden resource is delivered, Gcwihaba could become another pillar in Botswana’s evolving minerals portfolio, alongside other rare earth exploration efforts such as the Ditau project operated by Kavango Resources.
