A Botswana government joint venture with South Africa’s Alkali Holdings is reported to be nearing completion of a feasibility study looking at establishing a facility to produce potassium sulfate (SOP) at the Sua Pan, in Botswana, according to a report by Botswana’s Sunday Standard.
The Sua (Salt) Pan is a seasonal lake that fills with water during Botswana’s summer rainy season and retains water until April or May. It is one of three large pans with the Makgadikgadi region.
The jv, Botswana Ash South Africa (Pty) Ltd., known as BOTASH SA, is a 50:50 percent jv between the Botswana government and Chlor-Alkali Holdings, that started operation in 2013.
BOTASH currently is the largest producer of natural sodium products in the region and relies on the production of soda ash and salt, according to the report. According to its website, the jv is exclusively responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of natural soda ash, salt, and sodium derivatives in the Southern African market.