SODIUM MINING
Botash produces 300 000 t/y of soda ash and 650 000 t/y of salt
Photo by: Botash
The part State-owned Botswana natural sodium and related products producer Botswana Ash (Botash) launched its “transformative” five-year strategy that aims to propel the company into an era of sustainable growth, innovation and expansion of its geographical presence.
The new strategy, named the “Double in Five, Safely” outlines the commitment Botash has to doubling its earnings prior to tax by 2027 through the enhancement of logistics, efficient plant operations, new product development and market expansion.
The strategy was launched by Botswana Minerals and Energy Minister Lefoko Moagi towards the end of last month.
Botash is looking to expand its production of soda ash, as well as introduce sodium bicarbonate into the market during the strategic five-year period.
Botash – the largest producer of natural sodium and related products in Botswana – is owned 50% by the government of Botswana, while the remaining shareholding resides with South Africa-based chemicals company Chlor Alkali.
The strategy is based on the pillars of reliable and predictable production, defence and growth of Botash’s market share, a diversified production offering and sustainability.
In terms of being sustainable, Botash intends to capitalise from its skilled workforce to improve efficiency and drive innovation to deepen relevance and scale in current and newer markets.
The strategy, Botash notes in a statement, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to the generation of shared value among stakeholders, including employees and the local community.
As a contribution towards minerals beneficiation, Botash plans to forward integrate its food-grade salt business over the next few years.
“Our newly unveiled strategy, ‘Double in Five, Safely’ encapsulates our dedication to fostering diversified natural sodium-based product growth while prioritising sustainability, innovation and stakeholder value,” notes Botash MD Kangangwani Phatshwane.
He elaborates that sustainability is not just a concept, but is deeply ingrained within Botash’s business model, adding that Botash’s employees are the driving force behind the efficiencies and innovations, allowing the company to maintain relevance and scalability in the increasingly diversifying market landscape.
The company notes that its products are integral to the production of glass for buildings, motor vehicles, container glass, polyvinyl chloride piping for water reticulation, water treatment solutions, and other related products.
The launch of the five-year strategy emphasises Botash’s involvement in the community, including the support of Flamingo International School and other local schools, as well as supporting Sua Flamingoes Football Club – which is currently playing in the Premier League.
Botash’s nameplate production capacity for soda ash is 300 000 t/y, and for salt it is about 650 000 t/y, which includes the variants: chemical-grade, food-grade coarse salt, and food-grade fine salt.
However, salt production stands at about 420 000 t/y, in line with market demand.
Botash is located on the Sua Pan, in North-Eastern Botswana, and started operating in April 1991.
Over the years, Botash has increased its footprint with fully-operating offices in South Africa, dealing primarily with sales and marketing of Botash products: mainly soda ash. The South African office and depot, situated in Alrode, Alberton, is operated by Botash’s sister company – Botswana Ash South Africa.