Energy minerals most sought after in 2009

The 50 percent increase was part of the 327 licences issued between January and December 2009 for various minerals. According to DGS statistics, by April 2009, there were 250 licences in issue for energy minerals, up from 118 in 2008, 50 licences in 2005 and only 15 in 2003. The numbers mirror the rise in demand for power internally and externally.

This week, DGS officials revealed that exploration companies applying for prospecting licences in Botswana last year, focused their attention on uranium, coal and coalbed methane (CBM), all energy minerals. Of the total 1198 active licences in issue for 2009, 771 were for coal, coalbed methane, metals, radioactive and industrial minerals, while 421 were for diamonds.