Swedes probe mining opportunities in Bots

The market study is the result of a two-year cooperative effort between SGU and Botswana's Department of Geological Survey (DGS) under which the Swedes hope to partner with local miners in capacity-building and training, technology enhancement and policy formulation, among others.

While the Swedish government budgeted P3.5 million for various activities under the initiative last year, it plans to spend P6 million on a range of pursuits, including the market study, this year. According to consultants, the market study will be completed in April 2011. "The study will serve as a foundation for SGU's initiative which will try to establish sustainable business relationships between companies in Botswana and Sweden," Project Manager, Lars Klfver, says in a statement.