Base metal exports soar

The uptick in copper and nickel exports is on the back of rising local production and escalating prices of the metals, which are both eagerly sought after in the global energy transition.

According to the latest figures from the Bank of Botswana, copper and nickel exports were rising steadily each month throughout 2024, peaking at more than P1 billion in May. In the months to September last year, exports averaged P847.4 million, compared to P535.9 million over the same period in 2023. Khoemacau Copper Mine, which put out its first concentrate in June 2021, is finalising plans for a further $700 million expansion which will double its output to 130,000 tonnes by 2026.