SALE OF AMNESTY AND CONFISCATED DIAMONDS OFFICIALLY OPENED
A Sale of Amnesty and Confiscated Diamonds was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Mathibeli Mokhothu on 27th May 2021 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre. In his address Honourable Mathibeli emphasized the fact that the quality of diamonds found in this country is high as compared to other parts of the world. He said mineral wealth should contribute to the national economic and social development of the country in that Basotho should benefit from every mineral that is found in their vicinity.
He highlighted that this is a positive move for the Government through Ministry of Mining to have passed the Amnesty Bill that allowed Basotho to surrender their diamonds to pave a way for the upcoming Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining initiative. Deputy Prime Minister thanked Basotho men and women who handed in their diamonds for trusting the Ministry of Mining until this day. He wished everybody who were to participate in this activity a smooth and a transparent undertaking.
On the other hand, Minister of Mining Honourable Serialong Qoo in his welcome remarks, said that everybody must be cognizant of the uniqueness of this activity, adding that this is seen as a milestone that has been highly anticipated since the passing of the Amnesty Bill.
Present to witness this exclusive ceremony were Minister of Education, Deputy Minister of Education, some of the Honourable Members of the National Assembly and the Senate, diamond dealers, diamond diggers and the Media.