Silver lining seen as commodity cycle hits trough :: Mmegi Online

The global commodity slump has seen mineral prices hit record lows, with countries that depend on mining like Botswana feeling the pinch. BusinessWeek Staff Writer PAULINE DIKUELO interviews Botswana Chamber of Mines chief executive officer, Charles Siwawa who is hopeful the industry will bounce back along with the global economy and commodity prices in the medium to long term.

BusinessWeek: What is the state of mining as reported by BCM members in 2015?

Siwawa: The situation in 2015 was slightly better as the year started, but continued to deteriorate to the point that some of the mining companies had to seek external sources of funding over and above what they normally receive for their operations. This necessitated stringent measures to try and stabilise their operations in the quest for sustainable mining. Some of the exploration companies were also affected to greater degree primarily because exploration activities by definition do not generate revenue, but are dependent on shareholder or stock market funding which at times is restricted in its approach.

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