Angry residents of Kolo in Mafeteng district are up in arms following Reskol Diamond Mining’s mysterious resumption of operations at Kolo Mine.
The company had been officially barred from conducting any mining activities in 2021 after it had allegedly reneged on its promises to implement infrastructure developments in their area such as road construction and relocation of some houses damaged by the blasting activities.
It had taken over the mining rights in 2011 from Angel Diamond which faced liquidation, after entering into a joint venture with the government of Lesotho on the Kolo Mine. The government owns 10 percent of the company, which had a 10-year lease from the mining ministry. The lease expired in 2021.
After the lease deadline, Reskol applied for renewal but that was turned down by the mining ministry on the basis that the company had breached some of its obligations as enshrined in the Mining and Minerals Act of 2005 and the issued mining lease.
Then minister of mining, Serialong Qoo, showed that Reskol had not complied with the prescribed production timelines and quantities, thus affecting efficiency of operations and contributing to wasteful mining practices.
Hence it came as a surprise to the community when the company resumed operations about four months ago.
The community are demanding to know the circumstances around this development, and the terms of its re-engagement.
The question is, if the company was chucked out for failing to meet its obligations, what guarantees do the people of Kolo have that it will come good this time around?
This is a valid concern.
Another thing, why is the ministry withholding information pertaining to Reskol’s engagement and activities, from parliament? We are tempted to suspect that someone somewhere has something to hide.
Finally, we would like to remind the government that the natural resources of Lesotho are a sovereign property of Basotho, not any politician or capitalist.
