20 Feb 2024

Mining creates a void in the earth surface and inherently introduces ground instability risk, says Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko  Moagi.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Moagi said the current tremors in Selibe Phikwe, which were mining induced, were similar to those in 2019/2020 in terms of size, location, patterns and frequency.

“Due to the flooding of the voids, we have observed seismic activity/tremors in Selibe Phikwe area  emanating specifically from the south east shaft, this is because certain changes in the water levels led to increase pore pressure which affect rock stability,” he said.

He said the likelihood of any adverse impact was being managed through groundwater pumping and continuous monitoring which was done by experts from Botswana Geo-Science  Institute, Department of Mines and the liquidator.

Mr Moagi said the government’s position was that any structural impact on properties be assessed on a case basis.

“The affected properties will be  assessed on case basis and appropriate relief be rendered by government if legitimate,” Mr Lefoko said.

Furthermore, he said all 72 employees that were due to be retrenched at the end of January 2024 were retained as a consequence of the alternate  pumping system.

He noted that at least two companies had expressed interest in the Phikwe shafts, but that the low confidence level in the remaining ore bodies as well as the P6.3 million per month costs of dewatering and maintenance of the mine  had resulted in not securing a valid buyer.

Mr Moagi noted that an offer from Premium Nickel Resources Botswana (PNRB) for the remaining ore bodies was received and awaiting ore bodies.

The offer, he said, excluded the purchasing of the mining assets since PNRB  believed that an alternate ore access arrangement was a more financially  feasible option.

Selibe Phikwe West  MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister if he was aware of recent tremors and vibrations in Selibe  Phikwe as well as to explain the government position on structurally  affected houses due to tremors. ENDS