GABORONE, Botswana (CU)_Botswana’s economy is largely dependent on diamonds, which makes a contribution of 70 per cent to the its export revenue, as the Southern African nation produces the world’s largest gem diamonds. However, the industry came under the spotlight last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which curtailed mining operations, affecting the government’s earnings significantly.
On the other hand, the mining industry is also experiencing widespread backlash from environmental campaigners amid the recent revival in global efforts to slash greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, experts are of the view that the Kalahari copper belt, extending from northeast Botswana to western Namibia, aid Botswana’s efforts to diversify its sources of income away from diamond revenues.
Against such a background, Australian mining company Sandfire Resources has been obtained the mining licence for…