Aterian PLC

Explore Aterian’s Botswana portfolio of copper and lithium projects in a stable, mining-friendly hub for global energy transition.

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 and one of the most attractive worldwide (Fraser Institute). Investors benefit from 

transparent licensing, low corruption risk, and a stable political and legal framework

, backed by a skilled workforce and a long mining heritage.

Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the 

, are directly enhancing the country’s mining corridors, while sealed roads, airports, and export routes provide year-round connectivity. This supportive environment underpins Aterian’s Botswana portfolio, which targets two commodities at the heart of the global energy transition:

 – large-scale copper-silver licences across a proven sediment-hosted belt

 – lithium brine licences within the Makgadikgadi basin’s designated Lithium Zone

Together, these assets position Aterian as a 

strategic player in the supply of critical minerals

 is one of the world’s most prospective copper-silver regions, extending from northern Botswana into Namibia. Aterian, through its 90% ownership of Atlantis Metals (Pty) Ltd, now holds 

eleven mineral prospecting licences (PLs) covering 2,695 km²

, targeting sediment-hosted copper and silver mineralisation.

: Three new licences awarded in August 2025 increased Aterian’s Botswana portfolio to ten PLs, enhancing its footprint in this globally recognised copper district.

: Licences focus on the contact between the 

, a proven host for world-class Cu-Ag deposits.

: Independent geological review highlighted strong anomalies, including a 

 with copper-in-soil anomalies and an interpreted plunging antiformal axis (PL 199/2025).

: Several licences lie close to Sandfire Resources’ Motheo production hub and MMG’s Khoemacau copper project (US$1.73 billion acquisition, 2024).

: Botswana remains one of the world’s top-ranked mining environments, offering stability and a supportive regulatory climate.

With copper demand set to surge due to the global energy transition, Aterian’s KCB portfolio positions the Company at the forefront of discovery potential in a region where 

 are already being advanced into production. 

Historical soil anomalies, strong magnetic structures, and favourable stratigraphy create a robust foundation for future exploration success.

The Sua Pan Project targets lithium brine potential within the Makgadikgadi basin in northeastern Botswana, an area formally designated a 

 by the Department of Mines in recognition of its strong geological potential. Through its 90% ownership of Atlantis Metals (Pty) Ltd, Aterian holds 

three mineral prospecting licences covering 2,517 km²

This strategic position aligns with Botswana’s national drive to diversify beyond diamonds and become a leading source of 

battery metals critical to electrification and renewable energy storage

. Historical sampling confirms lithium concentrations that support further exploration, while the basin’s hydrogeological conditions are well suited for 

modern Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) methods

, offering a low-impact and scalable development pathway.

With global lithium demand continuing to surge, driven by the rapid expansion of 

, the Sua Pan Project provides Aterian with an opportunity to establish a 

sustainable, large-scale lithium footprint

 in Botswana, complementing its copper-silver portfolio in the Kalahari Copperbelt.

: Part of Aterian’s Botswana portfolio, which includes 10 copper-silver licences in the Kalahari Copperbelt and 3 lithium brine licences in the Makgadikgadi Pans region.

: Historical brine sampling by the US TDP in the 1980s reported lithium concentrations between 

, confirming the basin’s lithium prospectivity.

: Favourable hydrogeological setting offers 

ideal conditions for modern Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies

, reducing environmental footprint and improving recovery rates.

: Licences are situated near established transport corridors and water supply networks, supporting efficient development pathways.

Botswana is consistently ranked among the world’s most attractive mining jurisdictions, combining political stability, a thriving minerals economy, and investor-friendly policy.

Mining drives 85% of foreign trade and 20% of GDP

, underlining its central role in the economy (

, supported by foreign investment and mineral exports (World Bank)

No foreign exchange controls & full profit repatriation

, giving investors financial flexibility (Bank of Botswana)

 into copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earths positions Botswana as a battery metals hub

 via EU EPA, SADC, and SACU membership ensures preferential export pathways

stable governance, modern infrastructure, and clear commitment to critical minerals

, Botswana offers one of the most compelling environments for mining investment worldwide.

Botswana is emerging as Africa’s leading destination for copper and lithium exploration — two metals at the centre of the global energy transition. With 

, including 2,695 km² across the Kalahari Copperbelt and 2,517 km² in the lithium-rich Sua Pan, Aterian is uniquely positioned to unlock this opportunity.

 – transparent regulation, strong legal frameworks, and full profit repatriation.

 – high literacy, English fluency, and a proven mining culture.

 – roads, rail, power, and grid upgrades supporting efficient project development.

As global demand for battery metals accelerates, Botswana offers the stability, resources, and infrastructure to support world-class discoveries — and Aterian is at the forefront of this growth.

 for mining investment (Fraser Institute)

 MMG acquisition of Khoemacau Copper Mine highlights regional value

*reflects 2,695 km² (KCB) + 2,517 km² (Sua Pan) = 

A Leading Destination for Copper and Lithium Exploration

, making it central to Botswana’s economy. Once dominated by diamonds, the country is now actively expanding into 

, supported by a stable regulatory framework and modern infrastructure.

 highlight Botswana’s growing role in the global battery metals supply chain. With strong commitments to sustainability and investor incentives, Botswana offers an ideal environment for exploration and long-term investment.

Explore the FAQs to learn more about Botswana’s mineral strategy and investment outlook.

In Botswana, Aterian is advancing a highly prospective portfolio of copper, silver, and lithium assets through its subsidiary, Atlantis Metals. 

As global demand for energy transition metals accelerates, we are leveraging advanced artificial intelligence to rapidly unlock the potential of the world-renowned Kalahari Copperbelt and Makgadikgadi Pans. 

Operating in Africa's premier mining jurisdiction, our focus is on capital-efficient, data-driven exploration to secure the critical hardware for tomorrow's technology and energy grids.

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