Botswana officials are attempting to regulate the country’s scrap metal industry by providing it with a more stable framework in the hopes of diversifying their economy.

Sectors like the scrap metal industry have been considered insignificant in the past, however the Botswanan government is now beginning to see the potential in recycling waste from the mining industry, commerce and other industries. This has led them to look towards regulating the scrap metal industry as a result.

At a recent meeting of interested stakeholders, department of waste management and pollution control director, Rule Jimmy Opelo said effective regulation will curb unscrupulous dealing in scrap metals.

He continued, stating “There are key things that we want you (scrap metal dealers) to adhere to and protect those (scrap metal dealers) that are obliging to rule and regulations.”