BCL closure dents economic growth :: Mmegi Online

The economy grew at a slower rate of just one percent in the second quarter of the year from 3.9% in the same period last year with the mining sector registering negative growth, as the effects of the closure of BCL and Tati mines linger on.

The BCL and Tati mines were closed in October last year, and there has been no copper nor nickel production in the country since then. Figures released by Statistics Botswana show that apart from the mining and manufacturing sectors, all other economic sectors recorded positive growth in the period.

“Most sectors reported growth of more than 1.2%, with the exception of the mining and manufacturing industries; which recorded -13.8% and -0.2% respectively. The slow-down in the mining sector is primarily attributed to the closure of copper/nickel mines towards the end of 2016, however diamond production increased by 12.9% over second quarter of 2017,” said Statistics Botswana.

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