Business

Mt Burgess founder passes

Mbongeni Mguni | Tuesday May 27, 2025 14:34

Pioneering: Nigel and Jan Forrester. The Forrester's sank their savings into the Ngamiland polymetallic project that has now discovered critical minerals such as gallium and germanium PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
 
Pioneering: Nigel and Jan Forrester. The Forrester's sank their savings into the Ngamiland polymetallic project that has now discovered critical minerals such as gallium and germanium PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

In a notice this week, Mt Burgess officials said Forrester passed away last Friday about a week after resigning as chairman and CEO. Forrester and his wife, Jan, previously told Mmegi how they had sunk their own savings, including selling their house, to finance the Ngamiland project through the years from 2003 when Mt Burgess was first awarded the prospecting licence.

At one point in 2013, the project fell into danger when government declined to renew the prospecting licence leading to a lengthy court battle that Mt Burgess eventually won. During those difficulties, five out of the eight-member exploration team in Botswana had to be laid off, while other key staff were retained on half-pay. Other senior staff and directors, including the Forresters, forewent their salaries as the company fought for its survival.

Today, the Ngamiland project includes proven quantities of zinc, silver, lead and highly sought-after critical minerals such as gallium and germanium, which are used in semiconductors, fibre optics and other crucial technology. Ends...