Production to resume at Tataki Mine in third quarter of 2026
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday October 29, 2025 06:26
Richard Bunning, CEO of GCR Group, which now manages Tataki Mine, recently told the media that the company is rebuilding operations from the ground up.
“We are lucky to have inherited key individuals in the engineering department from the previous owners, as well as experienced geologists. “With their expertise, we are actively rebuilding the mine and preparing it for modern production,” he said.
Located near Francistown, in the Matsiloje area, Tataki Mine will produce a diverse range of metals and hydroxide salts that are widely traded internationally. Key products will include nickel and cobalt hydroxide precipitates, copper cathodes, metal bars for platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium), and other precious metals.
Bunning highlighted the mine’s expected contribution to Botswana’s economy: “We plan to invest further capital into Tataki to develop and expand mining operations. Tataki will be a key engine for Botswana's economic growth in the coming years. We are building a full value chain operation from exploration to processing in Botswana.” The CEO said they plan to finalise the long-term development roadmap for the Tataki site by early next year, including metallurgical processing facilities that would allow Botswana to export refined metals rather than raw ore.
Investors have committed significant resources to revitalising Tataki Mine. Austrian investor Cevdet Caner and his investment firm, NIU Invest SE, pledged $200 million (approximately P2.7 billion) over 10 years to restore the Phoenix Mine to profitable operations. The investment is projected to generate over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs and $4.2 billion in revenue over the next decade.
Beyond mining, Tataki Mine plans to invest in local development initiatives, focusing on education, infrastructure, and healthcare, ensuring sustainable benefits for surrounding communities.
Tataki mine was previously operated under Tati Nickel Mining Company, has been in liquidation since October 2016. The Phoenix Mine, a key component of the operation, has been under care and maintenance since 2003. Before its closure, Tati Nickel was a leading producer of nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals (Ni-Cu-Co-PGM), all critical to industrial and technological applications. However, operational challenges combined with a prolonged downturn in commodity prices led to financial struggles. Mounting debts ultimately forced the company into liquidation, leaving the Phoenix Mining Complex idle for nearly two decades.
The revival of Tataki Mine not only restores operations at a historically important mining complex but also positions Botswana to reclaim a stronger foothold in the global market for critical industrial and technological minerals.