AMN - Botswana adopts new sustainability model - comment by Yolanda Torrisi

A Canadian model aimed at improving the sustainability of mining through environmental and community outreach practices is being introduced in Botswana. The industry in Botswana will be the first in Africa to implement the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, through its Chamber of Mines.

TSM requires miners to continuously assess their mining practices and report them to the community, thereby enhancing sustainability and transparency.

It incorporates six core sustainability areas, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity conservation and community outreach. These areas combine industry technical standards, such as those used in mine tailings management.

TSM is mandatory for Mining Association of Canada members and its use has spread further afield, including Finland and Argentina. Botswana is the latest country to adopt TSM in a bid to improve the environmental and social performance of the mining industry, as well as lifting transparency.

The TSM program was launched in Canada in 2004 and was designed through dialogue with industry and civil society partners, who have contributed to its ongoing development. As an experienced and successful mining jurisdiction, Canada is committed to sharing its expertise with other less experienced mining regions.

Botswana Chamber of Mines CEO Charles Siwawa says because chamber members subscribe to the principles of responsible mining and extraction of minerals, the adoption of TSM will enable the industry as a whole to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

He adds that TSM will enable miners to demonstrate to the community their commitment to sound and sustainable minerals development practices and strive towards continual improvement. He says this will be of benefit to the entire country.

In promising his country’s commitment to supporting sustainable mining development, Canadian Ambassador to Botswana Kumar Gupta says the initiative reflects Canada’s strong relationship with Botswana.

Yolanda Torrisi is Chairperson of The African Mining Network and comments on African mining issues and the

growing global interest in the African continent. Contact:yolanda@yolandatorrisi.com