Review of minerals policies underway

Botswana’s mineral policy objective is primarily to maximise the national economic benefit from the development of mineral resources. In 1999, the government replaced the old mining code of 1977 with a new mining code. One of the cornerstones of the new and old mining codes is that government does not subscribe to privately owned mineral rights. The new policy attempts to provide a fair balance between the various stakeholders.

Presenting the committee of supply on Tuesday, the Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila said the first draft report was submitted in October 2013 and the next technical team and client meeting are scheduled for this month.