Chinese Burst Onto Botswana Mining Scene

30 June, 2009 in Botswana, Business

source: Mmegi
Thato Moseki
Correspondent

Statistics from the Department of Geological Services (DGS) indicate that 111 Chinese private entities currently hold exploration licences in Botswana, up from nearly zero four years ago.

In bursting onto the Botswana mining sector, Chinese companies are vying with traditional Oriental rival, Japan, whose companies have also increased their presence on the Botswana mining scene.

According to the Chief Geologist at DGS, Johannes Tsimako, Chinese companies are being drawn to Botswana by the need to source and develop raw materials for their own industries. Thus, the major minerals Chinese companies are exploring for are copper, nickel, uranium and coal, among others.

“The key attraction is the need for raw materials for their own industries,” Tsimako says. “They need to increase their supplies of [continue reading]

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