Botswana has granted a 15-year mining license to battery metal development company Giyani Metals for the K. Hill project. Situated in Kanye, 90 kilometers southwest of Gaborone, the $984 million project will produce battery-grade manganese and has an estimated lifespan of 57 years.
The project will provide feedstock for a Demonstration Plant – currently under construction in Johannesburg, South Africa. Set to be complete by Q4, 2024, the plant is currently seeking offtakers.
According to Charles FitzRoy, President and CEO of Giyani Metals, “Securing mining licenses can often be a lengthy process, so achieving this major milestone in such a short time frame is testament to the diligent approach adopted by the Giyani team and the efficient and rigorous review undertaken by the Department of Mines. Our experience to date validates Botswana’s global ranking as a top mining investment jurisdiction.”
A Definitive Feasibility Study has already been launched by the company, which includes an updated mineral resource estimate. The study will be complete in 2025 and utilizes data from Giyani Metals’ Demonstration Plant and ongoing optimization test work. The Environmental Authorization has also been completed in accordance with the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
