SEROWE - Botswana might open another mine and become an even larger diamond producing country, with the discovery of AK6 kimberlite in Letlhakane.
Minerals, energy and water resources minister Charles Tibone said at a full meeting of the Central District Council last Thursday that following the finding of AK6 kimberlite by De-Beers and a company called Africa Diamonds, the mineral sector will continue to play a major role in the economy of the country.
Tibone said diamonds were the mainstay of Botswanas economy but because they were not a renewable resource, it was important to diversify into other minerals.
He described Botswana as a growing diamond producer since the discovery of many kimberlites, particularly in places such as the Central District and Orapa-Letlhakane areas.
He said Botswana was planning to be a centre of excellence for mineral production and processing.
We want the whole world to know that whoever wants to extract minerals should learn something from Botswana, he said.
He also said countries such as Mozambique and Tanzania, Botswana could not run small mines because of sand cover.
For instance, the mine discovered by De Beers in Tswapong, where there are diamond occurrences, is too small for operation but we need to deal with larger deposits, he said.
He said there has been an increased activity of copper/nickel mining at Selebi-Phikwe. Tibone stated that his ministry intended to export coal since 75 per cent of Botswana has coal deposits, some under heavy sand cover.
Concerning the Mmamabula project, the minister said it was of great interest as some oil companies such as BP had even shown interest in it.
The challenge we are now facing is how long it will last if we dig it, he said. By 2007, South Africa would no longer be able to supply electricity to Botswana given the projected shortages in southern Africa.
He lamented that instead of being an importer, Botswana can develop a coal mine and build a power station and supply South Africa with power.
Because Mmamabula is nearer to South Africa, the connection from the power station will be easier, he said.
He said the power station project -- expected to start soon -- would be funded by the United States.
Since we are facing a shortage of electricity, we need to expand the capacity of Morupule Power Station so that when there is a deficiency, we are able to sustain ourselves, he said.
Tibone said Botswana and South Africa were still negotiating the concerned project and that a memorandum of understanding had been drafted, of which South Africa was still vetting into their system.
Regarding the coal-bed methane gas found along Mmashoro-Mosolotshane areas, Tibone said the gas could help in diversifying the economy away from diamonds.
Investigations have been done and they have confirmed that the gas can be used in cylinders, cars and for power generation, he said. BOPA
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