Botswana: Coal Production to Increase Ten Folds

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources has said that coal based projects will increase coal production for the country by more than ten folds by 2012.

Speaking at the Coal Conference held at Gaborone International Convention (GICC) Center last week, Akolang Tombale said the planned expansion of the Morupule Coal fired Power Station and the planned Mmamabula Export Power Station project, as well as the extensive evaluation of coal bed methane gas will further boost coal production in the country.
He said the conference, running by the theme ‘the awakening of the coal giant’, offers a unique opportunity to promote coal resources and to showcase what the country has to offer to potential investors. He said: “The abundance of coal resources in Botswana has been known for a long time but economics have in t he past conspired against significant exploitation of coal. The situation has changed and Botswana coal is very much in demand outside the borders of the country. The emerging economies of China and India have led the growth in demand for coal internationally and represents potential markets for Botswana coal. “

AllAfrica