20 Feb 2024

The country’s minerals policy is aimed at ensuring optimal citizen participation in the entire value chain.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi said the Mines and Minerals Act amendments would be tabled before Parliament in due course, and that they entailed improved citizen participation and other environmental obligations which would ensure responsible mining for sustainability of the sector.

Responding to a question in Parliament from Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Thapelo Letsholo, he said in the past five years there had been some Batswana who showed keen interest in acquiring some mine assets.

He named Mupane Gold Mining as previously owned by Galane Gold and that it had since been acquired by Hawks Mining company which has a majority of Batswana and Visionary Victor Resources, which was a wholly citizen owned outfit which acquired BK11 previously owned by Monarch Ventures (PTY) Ltd.

Mr Lefoko also noted that Mupane Gold Mining was in production despite the challenges it continued to encounter with contracted miners.

He said Visionary Victor Resources (PTY) Ltd remained under care and maintenance while the new owners were still raising capital to resume operations.

Mr Moagi also said companies were requested by law as per section 39 of the Mines and Minerals Act to conduct feasibility studies to be eligible for granting of mining licenses on qualification.

He added that mines were further regulated by the act together with the Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Act to ensure mines met the required environmental, social and governance compliance standards.

Furthermore, Mr Moagi said where there was non-compliance with ESG standards, government took primary liability as debt to government.

He said in the event that the license holder breached the provisions of the act or terms and conditions of their license, penalties not exceeding P50 000 would be imposed to the holder.

He, however, said there were other penalties which may attract stiffer penalties as specified under section 83 of the Mines and Minerals Act.

Mr Letsholo had asked the minister to brief Parliament on his ministry’s efforts to foster sustainable development and equitable economic growth and to explain the extent of local participation in the mining sector.

He also asked the minister to list mines previously operational which had since been purchased by Batswana entities or individuals in the last five years. ENDS