East, West coal decision due later this year

For several coal developers, the decision is pivotal to the unlocking of value from their resources, some of which run into billions of tonnes as in the case of the Mmamabula, Mmamantswe and Sese projects.

The decision is expected to open funding and merger/acquisition opportunities for various coal projects, an almost unprecedented development because investors have been scared away by the lack of an export route for Botswana's rich resources.