GABORONE: The Deputy Chairman of Debswana, Dr Akolang Tombale says Botswana is rich in natural resources. Speaking at a Debswana dinner in Gaborone last night Dr Tomable said mineral resources account for one - third of the country's Gross Domestic Product.
He said mineral resources bring about 70-percent of the foreign earnings and over 50-percent of the government budget.
The dinner, where President Festus Mogae was in attendance, precedes the Debswana board meeting scheduled for today.
He said Botswana accounts for 27-percent of global diamond production, adding that next year, his company shall add about 250 to 3-thousand carets per annum from the eastern side of the country.
Dr Tombale said the country also has huge coal deposits that could support the biggest coal fired power station in Southern Africa or the entire continent.
Giving vote of thanks, Debswana Managing Director, Mr Blacky Marole applauded President Festus Mogae for his dedicated leadership of the nation.
He also thanked him for spearheading campaign against Botswana diamonds being labelled blood diamonds, saying his company supported all the visit that President Mogae has taken to promote the image of the country's diamond industry.(BOPA)
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