Botswana has announced a potentially game-changing discovery of rare-earth and other critical minerals that could diversify its economy and position the Southern African nation as a strategic player in the global critical minerals market.
The discovery by Canadian mineral explorer Tsodilo Resources Limited, confirmed the presence of all 15 rare-earth elements listed on the United States Geological Survey’s 2025 Critical Minerals List at the firm’s Gcwihaba Metals project in northwest Botswana.
The discovery was made in two skarn-hosted targets, labeled C26 and C27, where drilling found the high-grade mineralisation between 20 and 50 meters below the surface — a relatively shallow depth that could reduce extraction costs if commercial development proceeds.
Besides rare earths, Tsodilo’s exploration also identified five other critical minerals including copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium and silver.
Rare earth elements are essential inputs for a wide range of modern technologies, from electric vehicle motors and wind turbines to advanced defence systems, smartphones and telecommunications infrastructure.
These minerals have become especially coveted as countries pursue energy transitions and technological innovation, driving demand for secure, diversified supply chains outside China, which currently dominates global rare-earth processing and production.
The discovery comes at a moment of intensifying competition between major economic blocs to secure critical mineral supplies. Western governments, particularly in the United States and Europe, have increased efforts to diversify away from Chinese-dominated rare-earth supply chains, prompting investments and partnerships in more politically stable jurisdictions.
Botswana’s find has been highlighted in this broader geopolitical context, as Canada seeks to establish itself as an alternative source alongside allies seeking to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Botswana’s government has made diversifying its mineral sector a key priority. The country has long been heavily reliant on diamonds — which account for about 80% of its export revenues and a substantial share of gross domestic product — and has seen economic vulnerability due to fluctuations in global diamond prices and competition from lab-grown alternatives.
President Duma Boko’s administration has signalled a shift, prioritising exploration of base metals and critical minerals to attract foreign investment and broaden Botswana’s economic base.
Analysts say the discovery could boost Botswana’s economic prospects by creating new export revenues and helping integrate the country into high-value global supply chains. Besides contributing to export earnings, successful mineral development could spur job creation, infrastructure investment, and growth in downstream processing industries. Supporters argue this shift could reduce Botswana’s reliance on diamonds and align the nation with global clean energy trends.
However, moving from discovery to production involves significant challenges. Environmental assessments, feasibility studies and infrastructure development — including power, water and transport logistics — will be crucial before large-scale mining begins. Markets also remain cautious, as mineral prices and global demand dynamics continue to evolve.
Tsodilo has outlined plans for extensive drilling in 2026 to delineate the resource further and aims to update investors with compliant resource estimates. Should further work confirm commercial viability, Botswana could emerge as a key rare-earth and critical mineral supplier at a time when global demand is projected to grow rapidly into the next decade.
