Botswana is preparing to expand its mining ambitions beyond diamonds as shifting global demand and an oversupply of the precious stone weigh on the country’s economy.
The southern African nation, long recognized as the world’s leading diamond producer by value, is now looking to diversify into critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium- resources that are increasingly vital to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Mines Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo announced that the government plans to begin exploring the roughly 70% of Botswana’s landmass that remains unexamined.
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For decades, exploration efforts have been heavily concentrated on diamonds, reflecting the country’s economic reliance on the gemstone.
Botswana’s diamond-dependent economy has recently faced pressure due to declining demand and growing competition from lab-grown alternatives.
While the government does not intend to abandon diamond production, officials acknowledge the risks of depending too heavily on a single commodity.
Kenewendo noted that past exploration efforts prioritized diamonds over other valuable minerals.
“We were doing more exploration, looking for diamonds, than looking for other high-value minerals. And now we’re going to change that,” she said on the sidelines of an African mining conference in Cape Town.
She emphasized that exploring only 30% of the country underscores how narrowly focused Botswana’s mining strategy has been. The new push aims to correct that imbalance.
The government is seeking to attract investors into mineral exploration, though Kenewendo admitted that exploration carries financial risks.
Investors can commit substantial resources without guaranteed discoveries.
To reduce uncertainty, Botswana intends to strengthen geological data collection to better determine where viable deposits may exist and decide whether the state itself should invest in certain projects.
Global competition, particularly between the United States and China — for access to critical minerals has intensified interest in Africa’s resource base.
These minerals are essential for industries ranging from renewable energy to electronics and defense manufacturing.
Kenewendo revealed that although discussions remain at an early stage, the United States has expressed interest in partnering with Botswana on exploration and mining initiatives.
While diamonds remain central to Botswana’s economy, the country is now positioning itself to tap into the growing global appetite for critical minerals, a strategic shift aimed at reducing vulnerability and securing long-term economic resilience.
