By ‘Majirata Latela
More than 600 people are to be employed at a kimberlite mine at Koalabata on the outskirts of Maseru after at least 110 people were awarded small scale mining licences by the ministry of mining.
The ministry of mining is planning to issue licenses for mining operations in a small scale in Koalabata by the end of August this year.
Addressing a public gathering in the area mining ministry’s commissioner of mines, Pheello Tjatja, yesterday alerted the communities about the Mines and Mineral (Amendment) Act 2022 on how Basotho were to be issued licenses for diamond panning.
Tjatja explained that each licence holder will be given a space of 100 square metres at which five to 10 people will be employed to mine. Such works will include digging, sieving and washing of the precious stones.
He added that all diamonds belong to Basotho not withstanding their residence and origin. He said while all will be given opportunity to apply for permits, priority is to be given to the indigenous residents.
“Koalabata will be pioneering the initiative because it is very close to the ministry where we will be able to access the place easily. Other places around Lesotho will follow and we promise that there are many places in the country where Basotho will be given the chance to mine.
“Since Koalabata is very close to many villages here in Maseru we will be monitoring the place to make sure that the place will not end up being overcrowded by people who will want to build temporary homes around the area. We expect everyone working there to go there in the morning and knock off in the evening, and avoid working in the evening.
“The ministry is also going to train the license holders and people who will be working there on the health and safety measures to be adhered to while panning.
“The ministry is also going to support the licence holders with yellow plant for excavation at some stages of mining and machinery to assess the kimberlite. After getting diamonds, the stones will be recorded together with the owner of the diamond and put away in a safe place. The ministry will organise an auction for the sale of the discovered diamonds,” Tjatja said.
One of the committee members who were involved during the amendment of the law on mining, Mamakamane Makamane from Butha-Buthe told the gathering that they have realised that Lesotho has many minerals and it is upon Basotho to ensure that the country becomes a developed state.
She urged those who will apply and be lucky to get the licences to set goals for themselves so that they will in no time grow from being small holder miners to being owners of a big mine in Koalabata.
“If you have a clear vision of growing your families and the surrounding communities you can achieve great things such as building clinics and shopping centres in Koalabata,” she thought.
The small mining license is to cost M100 and is to be renewed annually with some terms and conditions attached.
