LIQHOBONG RESUMES OPERATIONS
Liqhobong Mine Development Company has resumed its operations after it closed for one year and few months due to Covid 19 pandemic challenges. The Mine was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Mathibeli Mokhothu on the 26th August 2021 in Butha-Buthe following its restart in mid-July.
Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the resumption by indicating that the mine will add value to the country’s economy by paying taxes. He commended the mine for always maintaining a healthy relationship with the host community saying it is a stronghold on which the mine will always rely on. He said it is vital for all operating mines to take Corporate Social Responsibility very serious because it is a fact that Basotho should benefit from all the minerals found in their land. He urged the Ministry of Mining to work closely with the mines on employment policy, saying at least first 100 employees should be selected from host communities while the rest can be drawn from other districts.
“Liqhobong will now be able to pay royalties, dividends, ground rent to mention a few while it looks into settling its debts first”, Said Minister of Mining, Honourable Serialong Qoo. He further said he is delighted of the important role played by the ministry in ensuring the resumption of operations for Liqhobong which will also create more jobs. Speaking on the same occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of Liqhobong Mining Development Company, Mr Paul Bosman highlighted that most of the employees are ready to start work and most of them have already received their Covid-19 jabs. “We have already contacted all our employees to find out how many are willing and available to come back to work. At the moment we are preparing the mine pit to start production.” He said. The mine is set to be in full operation by December this year.