1 February 2026
Reports have indicated that Botswana’s copper market is expected to experience significant growth in 2026, driven by key developments such as the Khoemacau and Motheo Copper Projects. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for copper in several industries, such as automotive, construction and electronics.
As a result, the region is being actively explored with a focus on identifying new copper deposits, as part of efforts to diversify Botswana’s mineral wealth beyond diamonds. The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) report, published on 8 October 2025, reported that world copper mine production was expected to increase by 1.4% in 2025, with growth of 2.3% forecast in 2026. This shift in mineral resources has seen the Mining Technical Exhibition (MTE) introduce a new show for its Botswana expo combo.
The high-impact exhibitions company will expand into this new mining region, embracing the emerging copper and battery metals market in Botswana, kicking things off with the new show on 10 March 2026 within the Maun area. This will be a change from the three combined tours held last year.
MTE has successfully hosted expos in Orapa, Letlhakane and Karowe for more than a decade. Drawing from this experience and industry insight, the organisers have decided to explore new territory and take the expo to additional mining communities in Botswana.
MTE will return to Jwaneng on 13 March 2026. © Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE).
“The mining sector in Botswana is evolving, so it makes sense for us to explore other parts of the country, especially as new opportunities emerge,” says MTE operations director, Andrew Macnamara.
Unlike other trade expos, MTE brings the exhibition directly to mining areas, giving miners, engineers and management teams direct access to more than 60 service providers on site. Exhibitors will showcase different solutions and services tailored for each stop – from new processing technologies, tools that assist exploration and project ramp-ups, equipment suited to underground development, improved cabling systems and much more.
“Battery metals and copper are the new buzzwords in mining, making a show in this region an obvious choice – keeping in mind that our main goal is to provide solutions to the daily operating challenges faced by miners, including the latest technology, ventilation systems, safety equipment, lighting, smelters and purification, “ he adds.
In its preparations, MTE consults with mine technical teams well in advance of the expos to understand their operational needs and challenges. Exhibitors are then chosen to match these requirements, ensuring that the show is practical, relevant to the site and highly beneficial for miners in this particular area and commodity.
MTE will return to Jwaneng on 13 March 2026. On 14 January 2024, the board of Debswana – the diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the government of the Republic of Botswana – announced it had approved investment for a key development phase of the Jwaneng underground project, paving the way for the diamond mine to transition from open pit to underground operations. With the long-term multi-billion dollar investment and transition, the operation will require advanced underground machinery, upgraded ventilation systems and enhanced safety technologies.
Miners and the management of mines are encouraged to visit these expos to network with specialist service providers and industry experts. Visitors will be exposed to innovation that improves safety, efficiency and productivity.
They will also get an opportunity to engage with the MTE team, who bring targeted, practical solutions to each mining operation.
The growing demand for copper is driving mine expansion, a process that requires strategic planning and investment. While the copper market is on the rise, diamonds will always have a market, especially due to their eternal use in jewellery – this is why Jwaneng has remained on the MTE schedule.
Source: https://shorturl.at/H7g2c
