DEFINING THE FUTURE OF BOTSWANA MINING INDUSTRY IN RELATION TO GLOBAL MARKET TRENDS, EVOLVING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Tackling existing and emerging challenges in the mining industry will require agile, innovative, and decisive leaders who can build high-performance organisations, create inclusive and safer working environments that embrace technology and digitization for cost containment and operational efficiency. In the advent of fluctuating commodity prices, unpredictable global market trends, and rising business costs due to hyperinflationary woes, every player in the mining industry, whether employees, managers, shareholders, or directors, must aim to be a global benchmark to stay on top of things and best tackle the challenges of a dynamic business environment

RESOURCE MOBILISATION FOR EXPLORATION VENTURES

One of the key objectives of the event is to facilitate resource mobilisation for exploration ventures. As mining operations extend deeper and become more complex, there is a growing need for investment in exploration to identify new ore bodies and secure future resources. The summit provides a platform for mining companies to connect with potential investors, financing institutions, and government bodies to secure the necessary funds for exploration projects.

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK ON BUILDING PARALLEL INDUSTRIES IN MINING COMMUNITIES

 Economic diversification is a priority for Botswana, and the mining sector plays a crucial role in this endeavor. The event aims to explore and establish national frameworks that promote the development of parallel industries. These industries can leverage the mining sector’s expertise, infrastructure, and resources to foster economic growth in complementary sectors, reducing dependency on mining alone.

COLLABORATION FRAMEWORK ON FUNDING RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

In line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices, mining companies are increasingly looking to invest in renewable energy and environmentally friendly projects. The summit seeks to create a collaboration framework for mining companies, renewable energy providers, and funding institutions to support and finance renewable energy projects within the mining sector. This collaborative approach helps drive sustainability in mining operations

WHITEPAPER DEFINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MINING VALUE CHAIN

To ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of the mining industry, a comprehensive understanding of the entire mining value chain is essential. The event aims to produce a whitepaper that defines opportunities along this value chain. This document will serve as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, offering insights into areas where innovation, efficiency, and investment can create value and drive growth in the mining sector. The Whitepaper will be presented to the Minister of Minerals and Energy upon completion and shared with stakeholders.

NEW FINANCING MODELS FOR MAJOR CAPITAL MINING PROJECTS

Transitioning of mining projects from bankable feasibility studies to construction and operation requires tremendous amount of investments. Building new mines and expanding existing ones including in some cases, transitioning some from open cast to underground it requires a lot of money. What will be the new financing models for these high-capital extensive projects in instances where funding from companies and internal cash resources is not practical. What the opportunities in the capital markets, raising funds from stock markets, Public-Private Partnerships.

DEFINING NEW SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE WORLD OF WORK IN MINING, TO INFORM NEW EDUCATION & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT POLICES

To do away with skills mismatch and move with the evolving human capital requirement. The summit aims to chart a new direction through influencing government and the academia to develop fit for purpose programmes demanded by the mining industry. The re-skilling, upskilling and re-tooling must be defined through a concerted effort from key stakeholders. The summit will bridge the gap that exists between the mining industry, policymakers and the academia. The outcome of the discussion will result in formulation of a document.

DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL ESG POLICY FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY

Deliberations from the summit will culminate in one-stop policy document that defines how mining projects should satisfy Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements. Should there be a policy/law on that binds companies to invest certain percentage of the profits to local communities? Are mining companies doing enough to protect the natural world? What is the national guiding tool for carbon-neutrality in the mining industry? The deliberations from the summit will document international best practices in governance of mining projects to ensure cordial relationship with all stakeholders.