After ten years of closure, Botswana has officially reopened the Tataki Mine, ushering in a new chapter for the country’s mining sector. The long-awaited event comes after two years of acquisition negotiations and a mining licence issued in March 2025, paving the way for what government leaders are calling the foundation of a regional metallurgical hub.

“This is a moment of national celebration and particularly joyous for the North East as it marks a new beginning,” said Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, at the reopening ceremony. “The new Tataki mine will initially create 300 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect employment. Responding to marching orders from President Advocate Boko, we, together with the NIU and Global Critical Resources, are delivering on this vision.”

President Advocate Duma Boko, who officiated the opening, emphasized the need for swift decision-making and execution in Botswana’s investment climate. “What we must strive for is simple; when an investor walks in, we listen, we examine, we decide, and action follows almost immediately,” he said. “In this case, two years were spent in back-and-forth consultations until the current Minister of Minerals and Energy came in with a non-negotiable instruction: let’s move from talk to action.”

The reopening of Tataki mine is being hailed as a critical step in diversifying Botswana’s mining portfolio. Historically known for diamonds, the country is now positioning itself as a key player in the extraction and processing of nickel, cobalt, and mixed sulphides. The new facility aims to not only boost national output but also strengthen Botswana’s role in supplying essential minerals for the global energy transition.

Tataki Mining Company Limited, which specializes in copper and nickel extraction, has committed to operating under sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. With a focus on innovation, safety, and community engagement, the company aims to set new industry benchmarks. “We are building not just a mine, but a future that balances profitability with responsibility,” a company statement read.

The reopening, coinciding with the third week of spring, has been described as symbolic of renewal and resilience. For Botswana, the mine represents more than just economic gain—it is a bold step toward regional industrial leadership, job creation, and sustainable growth.