Botswana intends to approve a new mineral policy to drive the country’s mining industry.
Boikobo Paya, the permanent secretary in the ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, on Tuesday announced that the framework is expected to be approved by mid next year
Addressing extractive industry stakeholders, Paya said government has already initiated work to ensure the country has a concrete mineral policy.
“The process is very intense, we are consulting extensively,” Paya said, indicating that the Commonwealth and World Bank have been giving technical assistance to government.
“So far, the ministry has conducted a situation analysis, draft policy framework and is optimistic that cabinet will receive a draft policy by April 2015, with target set for July 2015 for the policy to be passed, Paya said.
The ministry is also mooting plans to amend the country’s Mines and Minerals Act, Precious and Semi Precious Stones Act, to create synergies within the mining sector.
Meanwhile, Paya has said that the updating of legislation is also expected to help the nation flex its muscle on the minerals value chain, especially diamonds
