Botswana’s mining sector continues to play a central role in economic development, and recent government engagement with industry leaders has highlighted renewed focus on sustainability and infrastructure expansion. On 12 June 2026, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, visited Botswana Ash (Botash) and commended the company for its stable operations and commitment to long-term growth. The visit placed attention on both production performance and the wider development impact of mining activities in Botswana. It also reinforced the government’s expectation that mining companies contribute meaningfully to national development beyond extraction and exports. The engagement at Sowa Spit provided a detailed look at how Botash continues to strengthen its operational capacity while aligning with national priorities.
During the official visit, Assistant Managing Director Mr Othusitse Seokamo presented an overview of Botash’s business performance and operational challenges. He reported that in 2025 the mine produced more than 91,000 tonnes of Fine Salt, which remains one of the company’s key premium products in regional and international markets. This production level reflects targeted reinvestment in infrastructure and operational systems aimed at improving efficiency and increasing output. Mr Seokamo explained that upgrades across the business have helped strengthen reliability and maintain consistent production levels despite industry pressures. He also emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to secure the company’s competitiveness in a changing global minerals market.
The discussion also focused on Botash’s long-term sustainability strategy, particularly its energy infrastructure and operational resilience. Mr Seokamo highlighted the importance of the mine’s power-generating turbine, which is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and is expected to return to operation by the end of August 2026. This system plays a key role in supporting production stability and reducing reliance on external power sources. He noted that maintaining critical infrastructure ensures continuity in operations and supports cost efficiency across the business. The company’s approach reflects a wider effort to integrate sustainability with industrial performance, ensuring that operational growth does not come at the expense of reliability or environmental responsibility.
Minister Kenewendo praised Botash not only for its production performance but also for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that directly support community development. She highlighted the company’s efforts to expand electricity access in surrounding areas as a strong example of impactful and development-focused CSR. According to the Minister, mining companies have a responsibility to support infrastructure development that improves livelihoods and strengthens local economies. She emphasized that strategic investments in electricity access, both through grid expansion and off-grid solutions, are essential to achieving Botswana’s national goal of universal electricity coverage. Her remarks reinforced the importance of aligning private sector initiatives with government development priorities.
The Minister further explained that electricity infrastructure projects across the sector are already making a measurable difference in underserved communities. These include 8 kilometre and 16 kilometre grid extension projects designed to connect more households and businesses to reliable electricity supply. She also referenced investments in 66kV high voltage transmission lines, which are intended to improve stability across key energy corridors and support long-term national grid performance. In addition, mini grid and off-grid solutions are being deployed in areas where traditional grid expansion is not feasible due to distance or terrain challenges. These initiatives reflect a practical approach to expanding access while balancing cost, geography, and demand.
Minister Kenewendo stated that these interventions align with the Government’s broader vision of transformative development and inclusive infrastructure investment. She noted that under the leadership of the Presidency, Botswana is prioritizing projects that deliver long-term social and economic impact rather than short-term gains. As a key shareholder in Botash, the Government remains committed to supporting the company’s sustainability, growth, and competitiveness in both regional and global markets. The Minister also emphasized that strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for achieving national development objectives. Her comments highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in building resilient infrastructure systems that benefit all citizens.
Following the official briefing sessions, Minister Kenewendo and her delegation toured the Botash processing plant and mining operations at Sowa Spit. The visit provided first-hand insight into the scale and complexity of production processes, as well as the technological systems used to maintain operational efficiency. The delegation observed how raw materials are processed into high-quality salt products that supply both domestic and export markets. The tour also showcased the unique environmental and operational conditions of the mining site, which require specialized systems and careful resource management. The experience reinforced the importance of continued investment in technology and infrastructure to support sustainable mining practices.
The visit to Botash underscored the company’s role as a strategic asset within Botswana’s mining industry and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting responsible resource development. It also demonstrated the growing emphasis on sustainability, infrastructure expansion, and community development within the minerals and energy sector. Botash’s performance and CSR initiatives reflect a broader shift toward integrating economic growth with social impact and environmental responsibility. As Botswana continues to position itself for long-term development, partnerships between government and industry will remain critical in driving progress. The engagement at Sowa Spit serves as a clear example of how mining operations can contribute to national priorities while maintaining strong operational performance and future-focused planning.
