Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-03-21 12:13:50
The inaugural Lesotho Mining Indaba (Khotla) 2024 is set to pave the way for the future of the country’s extractive industry. Scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2024, at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, this event aims to bring together key stakeholders in the mining sector to address critical issues and outline a path for sustainable and equitable development.
Under the theme “The Future of Mining in the Global Landscape,” the Indaba promises to offer dynamic discussions, strategic insights, and unmatched networking opportunities. It seeks to not only attract investment into Lesotho’s mining sector but also tackle the persistent challenges that have hindered its growth.
Despite Lesotho’s reputation for producing top-quality diamonds, the economic benefits have not trickled down to its citizens. The government has cited the failure of mining companies to provide regular dividends as a key reason for this disparity. Additionally, government officials have expressed concern over their relatively low shareholding in mining companies compared to foreign investors. Prime Minister Sam Matekane has pledged to address this imbalance and increase the government’s ownership stake.
One of the organizers of the Mining Indaba, Tando Mandela, remains optimistic about the sector’s potential for transformation. She emphasized that despite the evolving challenges facing Lesotho’s mining industry, it continues to be a strategic sector for the country’s economic growth and development.
According to Ms. Mandela, the Central Bank of Lesotho’s Economic Outlook report for 2023-2025 highlights the mining industry’s role in driving private sector growth in the medium term. This gathering provides a platform for frank discussions on crucial issues shaping the future of mining in Lesotho, including technological advancements, environmental stewardship, community engagement, labor relations, and economic development.
The event will feature updates from key stakeholders such as the Natural Resources Minister, Mohlomi Moleko, and the Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA). The conference aims to achieve several objectives, including ensuring that mineral wealth contributes to national economic and social development, mitigating the adverse social and environmental impacts of mining, promoting transparency and public participation in the sector’s sustainable development.
Other objectives include pursuing unclaimed pensions/compensation funds for ex-miners, appealing to South African mines and other countries for Corporate Social Investment (CSI), focusing on Social Labour Plans (SLP) support, and stimulating investment in the mining sector through exploration, re-mining, expansion, and community development.
Overall, the Lesotho Mining Indaba 2024 is a significant milestone in reshaping the country’s extractive industry and fostering a more prosperous and sustainable future for all stakeholders.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
