SECOND NEW DIAMOND MINE OPENED
A second new diamond mine was opened in Mokhotlong district on the 14th October by Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Mathibeli Mokhothu. Qaqa Diamond Mine is the second Mosotho owned diamond mine which is located just a kilometer away from Lets’eng Kimberlite Mine.
The mine was recently awarded a ten-year mining lease after successfully completing the prospecting stage.
During the sod-turning ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister urged the Minister of Mining Honourable Serialong who was also present, to review shareholding rate owned by the government in the mines. Currently Lesotho government owns 25% and 30% shares in the mines. He also encouraged opening of Development Bank where Basotho can borrow and invest money to fund development projects such as opening of mines. He added that he is happy because more Basotho are now venturing into mining industry therefore play an important role in economic growth.
Speaking on the same occasion Minister of Mining Hon. Serialong Qoo said that opening of new mines is a response to the unemployment crisis that is facing this country at the moment. He said the ministry is working immensely hard to make sure that more diamond mines are opened around the country to improve, prosper and empower the livelihoods of Basotho.
Qaqa Diamond Mine Chief Executive Officer Mr Mohapi Khofu, thanked the government through Minister of Mining for giving him this opportunity and pledged his commitment to participate in the economic development growth of this country. He said he will employ both skilled and unskilled locals.
The first Mosotho-owned diamond mine (Thaba-Telle Mining) also situated in Mokhotlong district, was opened in August this year and this brings the number of operating mines to six (6) thus far.