Plizio Visual Lab

Mowana Copper Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Mowana Copper Mine, situated near the village of Mosetse in northeastern Botswana, is a key facility in the country's drive to diversify its mineral production beyond diamonds. Located within the Dukwi area, the mine exploits copper deposits hosted in sedimentary rock formations that are part of the larger regional geological complex. Mowana's operational history has been characterized by cycles of production and temporary suspension, often in response to the volatile shifts in global copper prices, reflecting the challenges faced by base metal miners. The site operates as an open-pit mine and features its own on-site processing plant where copper ore is crushed and concentrated into a high-grade product for international export. The mine is of significant economic importance to the northern regions of Botswana, providing vital employment and fostering secondary industries in logistics and maintenance within rural communities. Geologically, Mowana is positioned in a promising zone for further copper and silver exploration, with potential for underground expansion in the future. As a producer of a metal essential for global electrification and green technologies, the Mowana Copper Mine plays a strategic role in Botswana's industrial landscape and its integration into the global supply chain for industrial metals.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Sun set point · Nata Wildlife Sanctuary · Nata Bird Sanctuary

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	26	23	20	17	17	20	24	28	28	28
Rain mm	100	97	65	21	3	3	0	0	5	17	54	96

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Mowana copper mine near Dukwi is a significant copper mining site in northern Botswana. It contributes substantially to regional employment and supplies valuable raw materials to the international metal industry.

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Visiting

The mine is an active mining site and therefore generally not open to the public. From surrounding roads, the headframes and processing plants can be seen in the distance.

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Where to view it

An elevated spot along the access road to the mine site features a good overview of the open-pit areas. From here, the large pits and moving excavators are clearly visible.

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Local products

In the Dukwi region, local markets offer agricultural products such as maize, millet, and vegetables. Travelers can also purchase traditional handicrafts from the local communities.

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Active season

The mine typically operates in shifts throughout the year, with production independent of weather. Peak activity occurs during the dry season when ore transport is smoother.

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Nearby

A visit to the Mowana mine can be combined with a trip to the nearby Dukwi Dam or the wildlife reserves of the region. The city of Francistown also provides cultural and historical attractions.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.35000, 26.31670

Facts

Copper and silver mine located near Mosetse
Utilizes open-pit extraction methods
Home to a dedicated ore processing plant
Strategic asset for base metal exports
Responsive to global copper price fluctuations
Key driver of regional economic development

Explore nearby

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Damtshaa Diamond Mine132 km · SWExplore →

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Letlhakane Diamond Mine134 km · SWExplore →

Orapa Diamond Mine143 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mowana Copper Mine (3)

Sun set point📍 landmark

A serene attraction near the copper mine offering unhindered views of the colourful African sunset.

Nata Wildlife Sanctuary📍 landmark

A community-run attraction on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, known for its seasonal flocks of flamingos.

Nata Bird Sanctuary🌿 nature

A renowned nature reserve famous for hosting thousands of breeding pelicans and flamingos during the wet season.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is produced at Mowana copper mine?

Mainly copper ore is mined, which is exported after processing.

Can one go there as a tourist?

No, the mine is a pure operational site and not intended for tourism.

What is the industrial influence?

The mine shapes the local labor market structure and provides regional economic activity.

How is safety ensured in the mine?

Through strict adherence to international mining standards and continuous monitoring.

What future does the mine have?

The future depends on global commodity prices and further exploration successes.

Mowana Copper Mine: where is it located?

Mowana Copper Mine is located in Botswana.

Mowana Copper Mine: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sun set point, Nata Wildlife Sanctuary, Nata Bird Sanctuary.

Mowana Copper Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

Mowana Copper Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Mowana Copper Mine, situated near the village of Mosetse in northeastern Botswana, is a key facility in the country's drive to diversify its mineral production beyond diamonds.

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