29 Oct 2023

Kanye residents have been implored to stay away from the Manganese Mine situated at Kgwakgwe hill to pave way for the envisioned production plant.

The project, undertaken by Giyani Metals, is aimed at producing high quality low-carbon footprint Manganese used for electric car batteries.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi made the plea during a kgotla meeting addressed by the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in Kanye recently.

Mr Moagi expressed concern that a high volume of people recently moved to settle around the Kgwakgwe area, which he said could hamper the progress of the project.

“We have since realised an influx of residential areas around the Kgwakgwe hill, probably due to people positioning themselves for the opportunities arising from the planned mine. We are not aware if these are official allocations but we advise that the landboard should assess the situation to avoid impeding into the mine lease area,” he said.

He said that once operations started, there would be a lot of dust from the area as a result of the drilling and other works.

Minister Moagi also said relocating people from the area could cause delays to the long-awaited project.

Furthermore, he said that following the completion of the preliminary economic assessment, the contractor was expected to submit the mining lease application next month. He said that the assessment established that the project could produce three million tonnes of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate annually, for up to 57 years, or a lesser time frame depending on the volume of production per annum.

The minister added that in line with Botswana’s Vision 2036 aspirations, the intention was to set up a processing unit in Botswana to produce the batteries.

On other issues, he urged residents, through the village trusts and village development committees, to join hands with law enforcement officers against illegal sand mining.

He said such irresponsible acts were destructive to the water sources and ultimately brought negative impacts on livestock.

Mr Moagi underscored the need to rehabilitate places where they were licensed to get gravel or pit sand, to avoid leaving the holes open.

“If you cannot rehabilitate the place, at least put fence around it to prevent access by people and animals because it is a health hazard. We also advise you to  consult with your neighbours prior to making an application for the licenses,” he said. Ends