Surprisingly, Botswana emerges as a promising hub for high-grade manganese deposits that are well-suited for battery and electronic applications.
Canadian exploration company Giyani Metals recently discovered a cluster of such deposits known as the K.Hill project. Situated within Botswana’s Kanye Basin, these deposits benefit from proximity to both land and maritime infrastructure.
Giyani Metals is currently conducting a feasibility study for the K.Hill project with the aim of producing approximately 120,000 tonnes per annum of high-purity manganese sulphate for the EV battery market.
As the demand for high-purity manganese sulphate is expected to increase tenfold by the end of the decade, and with China currently supplying 90% of the market, new entrants like Giyani are in high demand.
Major automotive companies seeking to diversify their supply chains and secure sustainably produced raw materials are actively seeking partnerships with such companies.
Thriving Mining Industry and Additional Projects
Botswana’s mining industry is experiencing a surge in interest and activity, fueled by its abundant resources and stable mining environment.
The Kalahari Copper Belt is attracting multiple exploration companies, aiming to discover new mineral resources and expand existing copper-silver mines.
The area’s resource-rich nature and Botswana’s reliable mining industry contribute to the growing interest.
Galane Gold operates the Mupane mine in Northeastern Botswana, which has been a significant gold producer since 2005, yielding over 700,000 ounces of gold. Recently, Galane Gold announced its decision to sell Mupane to Hawks Mining Company, reflecting the value and potential in the region.
Cobre is another company with multiple projects in Botswana. The Kitlanya East and West copper projects, along with the Okavango and Ngami copper projects, show great promise. Cobre’s Kitlanya East project features compelling target areas in proximity to Sandfire’s T3 and A4 deposits, offering exciting possibilities for future developments.
With its abundance of battery metals, particularly manganese, Botswana presents a compelling opportunity for the global battery materials supply chain.
The country’s rich manganese deposits, exemplified by Giyani Metals’ K.Hill project, position it as a potential major player in the EV battery market. Additionally, Botswana’s thriving mining industry, as evidenced by Galane Gold and Cobre’s
