… authorises search for other minerals besides water and diamonds
Mohloai Mpesi
THE government is preparing to intensify exploration of potential mineral resources in Lesotho besides the water and diamonds, Parliament has heard.
The revelation followed a question from Democratic Congress (DC) Proportional Representative (PR), ‘Mabafokeng Mpobole, who had asked the Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to shed light on what natural resources Lesotho has beyond diamonds and water.
Ms Mpobole further wanted the minister to explain how such resources could benefit Basotho, highlight the districts where they are abundant, and outline government plans for their exploitation, particularly in light of the country’s high unemployment rate.
She also asked whether Basotho could be allowed, individually or in groups, to exploit these resources to help combat poverty.
Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, responded to the questions on behalf of the absent Mr Moleko.
Prof Rapapa said Lesotho, through the Department of Mining, is in negotiations with international companies to explore and discover available mineral resources across the country.
“There is a global shortage of critical minerals. To ensure that Lesotho is not left behind, the ministry is negotiating with international companies interested in conducting exploration. The intention is that one company will focus on the north, another on the south, and a third on the central region,” he said.
He explained that the companies would use modern technology to search for minerals, but stressed that the actual discovery of deposits would depend on whether they were economically viable.
Investigations are currently underway by the ministry’s Geological Survey Office, he said. So far, the surveys have confirmed the availability of diamonds, but resources such as coal, gold, and oil have not been found in quantities large enough to sustain commercial mining.
“There is a miner conducting studies on oil and gas at Mahobong in Leribe. Another one has been authorised to explore oil in Leribe, while a third is studying coal deposits at Taung in Mohale’s Hoek. However, none of these studies have yet reached the stage of actual mining,” Prof Rapapa explained.
He added that government was already testing community participation in resource exploitation, particularly in the diamond sector.
In her budget speech earlier this year, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in the country.
“The mining sector plays a significant role in driving economic growth, resource management, and sustainable development through the extraction of valuable minerals.
The Government is committed to increasing Basotho participation by launching Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in the diamond subsector. This initiative aims to harness Lesotho’s diamond potential, empower local communities, and stimulate economic growth,” Dr Matlanyane said.