25 Apr 2021

The impact and effects of mining activities can be harmful to both the environment and people if not well managed.

The warning was sounded by Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe during  Earth Day commemoration in Letlhakane recently held under the theme, “Restore our earth”.

Addressing Komatsu Botswana which planted trees in Letlhakane to mark the day, Mr Lelatisitswe said as a company involved in mining activities, it was imperative that it took care of the environment

The assistant minister said it was the company’s  responsibility to make sure there was a clear plan to assist in rehabilitating the environment.

 He also said it was crucial to reduce carbon emission and waste,  conserve water as well as increase  the use of renewable energy sources in everyday lives.

Mr Lelatisitswe encouraged planting of trees which he said would help in preserving the environment by preventing soil erosion. He therefore commended Komatsu Botswana for planting trees saying it was a way of combating climate change and preserving the earth’s future.

The assistant minister also applauded the company for its social responsibility activities saying it had so far spent P57 000 in the Orapa area where it was operating.

It made a donation of baby essentials worth P30 000  to Letlhakane Primary Hospital and spent P27 000 on cloth face masks, installation of hand basins, sanitisers and message boards at Mosu’s Makgadikgadi Junior Secondary School.

Komatsu operations manager Mr Oreeditse Ngakaemang said the company had embarked on various initiatives as part of its centenary celebrations.

Among the initiatives was the bringing together of company employees across the globe in an effort to create a sustainable future where people, business and planet could all thrive, he said.

Mr Ngakaemang stated that the organisation’s corporate social responsibility activities supported the growth and improvement of communities and society in general.

He said the company would prioritise activities that benefited the environment and combated climate change as well as continuing to support communities in which they operated. Ends