Botswana Sees Annual Growth in Soda Ash and Salt Production Despite Quarterly Declines. Botswana recorded an annual increase in both soda ash and salt production during the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest industry figures. Soda ash production rose by 2,702 tonnes, a 3.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a total of 82,482 tonnes. Salt production showed a stronger annual growth of 20.0%, adding 13,647 tonnes to reach a total of 81,833 tonnes.
However, production declined when compared to the third quarter of 2024. Soda ash output dropped by 3.5% (2,989 tonnes), while salt production saw a more significant decrease of 19.1% (19,303 tonnes).
Both commodities are extracted at Sua Pan by Botswana Ash (Botash), a company partially owned by the government. Botash operates one of the few natural soda ash deposits in the world and has a production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of soda ash and 650,000 tonnes of salt per year.
Soda ash produced in Botswana is a key input in the glass industry, used in the manufacture of building glass, vehicle windshields, and various types of containers for food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Salt produced at the same facility is essential for producing chlorine used in water treatment and for creating PVC piping used in water distribution systems. It is also used in food fortification as a carrier of iodine.