15 Feb 2024

There are currently eight licensed entities for sand and gravel mining in Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye areas which are all held by citizens or citizen owned companies.

There are, however, no licenses held by community trusts or Village Development Committees (VDCs) although they are not prohibited from applying for mining rights.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi said this when responding to a question from the MP for Thamaga/Kumakwane, Mr Palelo Motaosane in Parliament.

Mr Moagi said before the lifting of the moratorium, his ministry would conduct a study that would help determine the recovery levels of the river system and the possibility of the commencement of mining among the concerned rivers. “As part of the study, there would be continuous engagement and consultations with the concerned communities and the nation at large, and the study will be conducted during the National Development Plan 12,” he said.

Mr Moagi said illegal mining was an offence under the Mines and Minerals Act and that any person found guilty would be liable, on first conviction, to a fine not exceeding P1 000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both.

“Alternatively, a person may be summarily fined a fee not exceeding P200 in respect of the offence.

However, since the moratorium came into effect, there has not been any court conviction for illegal mining,” he said.

Mr Moagi said notwithstanding that, his ministry had through the Department of Mines with the assistance of Botswana Police Service, apprehended illegal miners who would most often pay admission of guilt fees.

“During 2022, a total of 123 illegal miners were apprehended at various police stations as follows: Sejelo 12, Kanye two, Moshupa 33 and Thamaga 76.”

Last year, he said, the same police stations apprehended two, 13, 46 and 43 illegal miners respectively.

Mr Motaosane had requested an update on the number of licenses issued in Thamaga, Moshupa and Kanye areas for sand mining and gravel, and the various categories of holders, whether citizens, non-citizens, community trusts of VDCs.

He also wanted to know when the ministry intended to dialogue with the said communities for possible lifting of the moratorium for sand mining south of Dibete, and penalties available for illegal miners as well as any available statistics on those already punished. ENDS