1. Service Description

Retenstion licence is a document that is issued on confirmation that the mineral deposit cannot be mined on a profitable basis at the time of application. This document is issued when the applicant is interested in exploiting the mineral discovered during the prospecting licence period but in the present situation cannot be mined economically.

2. How do I obtain the service

• Visit Department of Mines offices in Gaborone or Francistown
• Email
• Mail

3. How do I apply for the service

• Completed application form (Form III)
• If application is submitted by a consultant, submit a letter from an applicant appointing the consultant to submit applications on his/her behalf with the applicants postal address, telephone and fax numbers
• A certified copy of company registration certificate or certificate of incorporation
• Prospecting report approved by Department of Geological Surveys or a copy of prospecting waiver.
• Surveyed coordinates with sketch plan and total area applying for. 
• Archaeological clearance certificate from Department of National Museum, Monuments and Art Gallery.
• Detailed Feasibility report containing
• a)      Details of mineral deposit, including all mineral resources and reserves (measured, indicated, inferred, probable and proven) and mining conditions.
• b)      Technical report on mining and treatment possibilities and the applicant’s intention in relation thereto
• c)      Proposed programme of mining operations, which should include estimated date by which applicant intends to work for profit, initial position(s) of quarry(ies) with coordinates on the surface rights, estimated recovery rates, nature of product and envisaged marketing arrangements for sale of mineral product(s)
• d)      Environmental Impact Assessment study and Environmental Management Programme
• e)      Forecast of capital investment, cash flow and details of anticipated financial plan
• f)       Outline of proposed employment level and training program.
• g)      Outline of proposed sources of goods and services
• h)      Details of expected infrastructure, e.g. access road, electricity and water supply
•   Clearance from Department of Wildlife and National Parks, if the area is within the game reserve or national park

4.Cost involved in obtaining service

• P5 000 per square kilometer or part thereof for the first year, increasing annually by P5 000 per square kilometer for second and subsequent years.

5. Where can I get more information

• Visit Department of Mines offices in Gaborone or Francistown
• Email
• Mail
• telephone
• visit our website: www.mines.gov.bw