Mining industry of Botswana

rdf:langString Mining industry of Botswana

rdf:langString The mining industry of Botswana has dominated the national economy of Botswana since the 1970s. Diamond has been the leading component of the mineral sector since large-scale diamond production began in 1972 by Debswana. Most of Botswana's diamond production is of gem quality, resulting in the country's position as the world's leading producer of diamond by value. Copper, gold, nickel, coal and soda ash production also has held significant, though smaller, roles in the economy. In 2005, mining accounted for about 38% of Botswana's real gross domestic product (GDP), and more than 50% of government revenues were derived from mining and mineral-processing activity. In 2005, the nominal value of minerals produced in Botswana exceeded that of 2004 by about 20% in U.S. dollars. Much of the increase was attributed to higher international mineral prices. Diamond, , and gold, in order of value, accounted for most of the increase. Botswana encompasses an area of 600,379 square kilometers in southern Africa and is bordered by Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Most merchandise trade is shipped via rail or truck through South Africa. The total value of exports in 2005 was about $4.66 billion. Mineral exports, of which diamond accounted for $3.3 billion; copper and nickel matte, about $461 million; soda ash, about $65 million; and gold, about $36 million, represented 83% of total merchandise exports. The provisional value of imports in 2005 was $3.28 billion.