Mmegi

Gov’t approves mining restart at Lerala

Bouncing back: Lerala’s new owners want to start by mining the tailing dump before reigniting open pit operations. The Mine has been mothballed since 2017
Bouncing back: Lerala’s new owners want to start by mining the tailing dump before reigniting open pit operations. The Mine has been mothballed since 2017

FRANCISTOWN: The government has approved the transfer of a mining licence for Lerala Diamond Mine to Maroon Capital, a development that will require the firm to resume mining operations at the long-mothballed operation.

Maroon Capital, owned by Israeli investor Gilad Shabtai, will be required to recommence operations at the mine, potentially bolstering the local economy and employment opportunities. The mine, previously owned by various international firms, is anticipated to restart operations imminently, with plans to commence by mining Lerala’s tailings dump.

Minerals and Energy minister, Lefoko Moagi confirmed the latest development this week when laying his ministry’s 2024–2025 budget before Parliament. Maroon Capital bought Lerala Mine in 2017 but did not start production immediately owing to licensing issues.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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