Integrated Battery Mineral Chemicals Manufacturing Facility
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Integrated Manufacturing Complex in Palapye, Botswana — represents the first facility of its kind in the region. Its proximity to the copper and cobalt mining centres of Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the DRC, combined with Botswana’s stable political and economic environment, provides a secure platform for long-term industrial growth. Kemcore’s complex benefits from shared infrastructure and utilities, enabling operational synergies, cost efficiencies, and sustainable production.
CORE PRODUCTS
Sodium Metabisulphite (SMBS)
With the shift toward energy-efficient vehicles, manufacturers are focusing on electric vehicles to address environmental challenges. Cobalt, essential for battery production, requires Sodium Metabisulphite (SMBS) in its extraction process. As the demand for electric vehicles grows, the need for cobalt, and consequently SMBS, will increase, driving demand for Kemcore’s products.
From Import to Local Production: SMBS Shift
Kemcore will be the only Africa-based producer of SMBS, which has traditionally been imported into the DRC from China and Turkey. High transport costs and long delivery times have inflated prices and caused delays. Local production by Kemcore will reduce these costs and ensure more reliable supply for the DRC.
Product Overview
Primary use: Cobalt processing in mining operations
Market: SADC region
Production method: Controlled burning of Sulphur followed by chemical reaction with Soda ash solution
Key features: High purity, consistent quality, reliable supply
Production capacity: 57 500 tons per year
Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate (SIBX)
Sodium Isobutyl (SIBX) is a crucial reagent in the mining industry, particularly for flotation processes in copper and other mineral extraction. Our advanced facilities ensure high purity and performance.
Applications:
- Enhances the separation of valuable minerals
- Important for processing lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals
Product Overview
Primary use: Flotation reagent for copper and mineral processing
Market: DRC and Zambia
Production method: On-site carbon disulphide production and reaction with isobutyl alcohol and sodium hydroxide
Key features: Pelletised for easy transport and application
Production capacity: 20 000 tons per year
Sodium Hydrosulphide (NaHS)
Sodium Hydrosulphide (NaHS) is essential in industrial applications as a reducing agent and flotation reagent. Our production methods provide reliable quality for various processes.
NaHS manufactured by Kemcore Botswana is derived from pure raw materials, including hydrogen, sulphur, and caustic soda, unlike imported products, which are often by-products or waste. This approach results in a high-purity final product with a reduced environmental impact and fewer emissions.
Applications:
- Key for copper and nickel recovery from sulfide ores.
- Supports battery production and other industrial uses.
Product Overview
Primary use: Mining reagent for copper and mineral processing
Market: DRC and Zambia
Production method: Hydrogen sulphide gas generation absorbed by sodium hydroxide solution
Key features: Crystallisation and flaking process, moisture-resistant packaging
Production capacity: 29 500 tons per year
Production of Additional Supporting Products:
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO)
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Market Opportunity & Project Details
PROJECT DETAILS
Total investment: USD 103 million
Location: 18-hectare industrial site, Palapye Industrial Zone
Timeline: Construction 2025–2027
Start of production: 2027
Employment: 195 permanent jobs and 450 construction positions
MARKET SIZE & GROWTH
Current Combined Market Value: USD 400+ million annually
Projected 2030 Market Value: USD 1 billion
Growth Drivers: Unprecedented copper and cobalt production growth for EV and renewable energy demands
Regional Production Forecasts (2024—2030):
Zambia: From 1M tons to 3M tons copper annually
DRC: From 2.8M tons to 5M tons copper annually
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
- Shared infrastructure and utilities for operational synergies
- First Integrated Chemical Manufacturing complex in the region
- Rail and road connectivity to the DRC and Zambian mining centres
- Proximity to raw materials
- Stable political and economic environment in Botswana
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES
- Shared infrastructure and utilities for operational synergies
- First Integrated Chemical Manufacturing complex in the region
- Rail and road connectivity to the DRC and Zambian mining centres
- Proximity to raw materials
- Stable political and economic environment in Botswana
Guided by strong Leadership
Our projects are driven by a board and executive team with decades of experience in mining, chemicals, and industrial growth.