10 May 2020

Several industries across the mining and energy sector will maintain their workforce but at a manageable level during phase two of easing of lockdown regulations. 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Mmetla Masire made this announcement during a COVID-19 update on Sunday(May 10) . 

He explained that Debswana, biggest supplier of rough diamonds took a decision to close down and undergo care and maintenance. He said they decided to operate at 30 per cent staff compliment while those in prospecting industry, who were closed during the lockdown would operate at 50per cent. 

He said the mining industry had always adhered to safety standards and they would incorporate new COVID-19 protocols in the already existing safety and health measures. 

In the energy sector Mr Masire said the petroleum industry especially fuel stations would maintain the 25 per cent workforce due to low consumption of fuel in the current period. 

He said there would be a slight adjustment in the power generation sector from the 900 employees engaged during lockdown to about 1100. 

Mr Masire  noted that diamond beneficiation, a mining sub-sector would also become operational at 50 per cent labour force. 
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