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Mineral explorers flock to the wild west

Hidden riches: The BGI’s latest map of potential mineral zones in the country
Hidden riches: The BGI’s latest map of potential mineral zones in the country

Local geological regulators are seeing the highest prospecting activity ever in the country’s relatively unknown western half, amidst a peak in demand for exploration licences as the world hunts for valuable rare earth minerals. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

Local geologists say the country’s eastern half has been well prospected and to an extent, well developed, as seen in the establishment of several mines that have supported the well-documented mineral-led revolution of post-Independence Botswana.

The mineral potential of the west, in particular its southern fringes, is relatively unknown, with many of the potential riches lying under sands that can reach more than 1,000 metres deep.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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