28 Nov 2021

The anticipated extension of mining operations as well as the opening of new mines is expected to boost employment creation.

With over 18 000 people expected to be employed in the mining sector, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Lefoko Moagi said, in his debate of the State-of-the-Nation Address, that the figure was bound to rise once Tshukudu Metals and Khoemacau copper mining extensions began operations next year.

“It is anticipated that the mining sector will create over 7 000 direct jobs and 3 000 indirect jobs next year once the Khoemacau Copper Mine reaches full operation and the Tshukudu extension is in full swing,” he said.

He said the proposed 50 megawatts solar plant in Selebi  Phikwe was also projected to create 200 direct jobs while 300 jobs would be created through the value chain process.

The minister also noted that 10 000 new jobs would be created through the mining value chain, adding that it was estimated that for every direct job created in the mining industry, a further two to three jobs were created down and up-stream of the value chain.

He said eight more diamond polishing companies have expressed interest in opening shop in the country during the Dubai Expo 2020.

The minister also emphasised that government continued to lure direct foreign investors in the mining sector to further broaden the country’s economic base.

He said while the country’s relative prosperity was derived from diamond production, the identification of economic diversification opportunities that would broaden the economic base remained the challenge.

In this regard, he said the thrust of the country’s economic policy should be value addition to the minerals as well as diversification away from diamond mining to other sectors with the highest potential of broadening the economic base.

He added that there was need to invest in other sectors such as beneficiation of minerals, mining industry services, tourism and financial services.

Mr Moagi also pleaded with government to invest in infrastructure in order to sustain and support all mining activities, citing construction of Mmamabula-Lephalala rail line as a critical project towards the success of coal transportation.

He said there was need to fast track digitalisation and Internet connectivity for better service delivery and job creation for the youth trained in the sector and programming.

Mr Moagi, who is also Ramotswa MP, called for the upgrading of the Ramotswa border post, saying it was strategically located to relief congestion that both the Tlokweng and Pionner border posts experienced.

He also acknowledged the transfer of Bamalete Lutheran Hospital from the Lutheran Church to government. 

He appealed for the hospital to be equipped with critical care equipment and e-health services in order to relief congestion at the country’s two referral hospitals.

In his contribution to the debate, Gaborone Bonnington South legislator, Mr Christian Greeff implored the mining sector to engage citizen suppliers and truckers in their value chain. 

He said there was concern regarding certain job categories that were awarded to expatriates at the expense of locals who possessed similar qualifications.

He also expressed disappointment that there were street vendor foreigners and others who worked in businesses that should be reserved for locals.

Mr Greeff also complained about the awarding of government tenders to foreign companies while locals with adequate skills and resources were overlooked.

Furthermore, Mr Greeff raised concern about the high crime rate in his constituency. 

He called for an increase in police visibility and the construction of more police satellite offices.

He, thus, said his constituency also needed a storm water drainage system and solar powered street lights.  BOPA