Giyani has been awarded, to its wholly-owned Botswanan subsidiary Thabatala Technology Company Proprietary (Thabatala) a 50-year SEZ License for its Commercial Plant via applying to a rigorous Government led process where its environmental, economic and social credentials were reviewed by the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA).
The award of the SEZ License designates Giyani’s Commercial Plant as a Single Factory Special Economic Zone. The Commercial Plant will be located adjacent to its K.Hill manganese mine site, near Kanye, Botswana.
This significant milestone underscores Giyani’s commitment to driving sustainable economic growth in Botswana while solidifying its role in the global supply chain for critical battery materials, and also highlights the Government’s support for Giyani and the Project.
As a SEZ Investor License holder, Giyani will benefit from a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that enhance project viability and operational efficiency, including reduced tax rates, zero-rated VAT on raw materials for export, and operational support from the Botswana Government, a full list of benefits is included in the Overview section.
The SEZ licence is valid for up to 50 years, and can be renewed.
Giyani is fully committed to adhering to international trade and environmental standards, ensuring responsible and sustainable operations. The Company is also focused on fostering local economic inclusion strategies aimed at empowering Botswanans, creating supply chain and other opportunities for local businesses and contributing to community development initiatives.
Charles FitzRoy, CEO of the Company, commented:
“Securing the SEZ License for our Commercial Plant is a transformative step for Giyani, and an important milestone on our path to becoming a leading producer of battery-grade manganese, particularly as our Demo Plant nears first production and we look ahead to the next stages of progress.
This is a testament to Botswana’s commitment to fostering innovation, the benefits of which will enhance our project’s viability and facilitate a sustainable partnership with the local community. With the addition of significant benefits such as significant corporate tax reduction and fast-tracked issuance of permits for skilled personnel, this licence not only supports sustainability ambitions but has clear economic and operational benefits that will ultimately catalyze Commercial Plant construction. This in turn will drive sustainable economic growth in Botswana and solidify its role in the global supply chain for critical battery metals.
We are deeply grateful for SEZA’s ongoing support, which underscores the Government’s dedication to attracting investment in critical industries. Our focus now is to obtain the remaining sectoral permits and licences required to commence project activities and we look forward to updating shareholders in due course.”
