06 Dec 2020

Government has, over the past years, benefitted from privately-owned mines through collection of royalties.

Responding to a question on behalf of the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Mmusi Kgafela said government had benefitted P1.4 billion from Karowe Mine in Letlhakane and P398 million from Bosetu Copper Mine.

He said P230 million was from Ghaghooo Diamond Mine in CKGR while P42.2 million was from Mowana Copper Mine in Dukwi and P87 000 from Lerala Mine in Lerala.

Mr Kgafela said royalties were paid in accordance with rates as prescribed under Section 66 of the Mines and Minerals Act, while taxes from mining companies were paid following the 12 Schedule of the Income Tax Act.

Mr Kgafela further stated that the mines also employed personnel who payed tax to government. Francistown West MP, Mr Ignitious Moswaane had asked the minister how government had benefitted from royalties/taxes from Dukwi, Maun, Lerala, Karowe and other privatelyowned mines for the past 10 years. Ends