24 Jul 2013

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism is aware of the socio-economic impacts of mining on the nation as well as on the specific communities located near mining activities, said Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse.

Mr Seretse explained that prior to development of any mining project, it was a requirement under the Mines and Minerals Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be undertaken as part of the feasibility study.

Mr Seretse was answering a question in Parliament on behalf of Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama. He further said it was through the EIA that environmental and possible socio-economic impacts were identified, evaluated and necessary mitigation measures were proposed as part of the Environmental Management Plan (EPM).

He said in the process of licensing of mining projects, careful consideration of EIAs and EMPs was made and it was only when positive impacts surpassed the negative impacts and when adequate mitigations measures for the negative impacts had been proposed, that mining projects could be allowed to go ahead.

He said the Environment, Wildlife and Tourism ministry actively ensured that mitigation measures for the identified impacts were implemented and this was done through routine inspections and audits of the mining operations.

Minister Seretse also said the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism was working with mining companies to ensure that the companies developed closure plans and set aside funds necessary to ensure minimisation of impacts of mining in the post closure period.

He said the ministry did not have any environmental levy other than royalty, which was a levy for the depletion of the finite minerals resources as they were mined.

Since all rights of ownership of minerals are vested in the state, he said the royalties are payable to government, and they are used for the development of, not just those local communities hosting the mines, but for the country as a whole.

He said mining companies are expected to make financial provision to mitigate against environmental impacts that may affect the local communities, and as such, it is prudent to impose another levy payable to communities.

Member of Parliament for Boteti North, Mr Slumber Tsogwane had asked the minister if he was aware of the socio-economic impact of mining on local communities and how government has mitigated the negative impact of mining of precious stones on local communities.

Mr Tsogwane also asked why an environmental levy is not payable to communities (Community Based Organisation) hosting the mining. ENDS