Botswana Showcases Coal As Energy Crisis Cure

2 July, 2007 in Botswana, Business, Mining

source: Industry Week

Botswana has vast coal resources estimated at over 200,000 megatons.

By Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe, Agence France-Presse
July 2, 2007 — Botswana, better known for its dazzling diamonds and abundant wildlife, is looking to draw in investors by showcasing its vast reserves of coal in a region facing a growing energy crisis. Executives from India, Australia, the U.S and South Africa were among the 200 delegates in the capital Gaborone last week for a government-organized conference designed to illustrate the sector’s potential.

“Botswana has vast coal resources estimated at over 200,000 megatons. The resources are grossly under-exploited with a production of less than one million tons a year,” said Kgomotso Abi, acting permanent secretary in the ministry of minerals, energy and water resources. “With the impending power crisis in the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) region, the use of Botswana coal resources to meet both the national and regional energy requirements has become imperative.”

Many of the 14 countries in the SADC region are experiencing problems in meeting their energy needs. The Zambian energy ministry for example announced in [continue reading]