Lesotho is known globally for producing some of the biggest diamonds in the world and is reported to have the ability to supply large diamond sets, making the country a variable option for investors looking to work with the government of Lesotho and its people.

This emerged at the official opening of the two days long of the first Lesotho Mining Indaba Khotla that kicked off in Maseru on Thursday.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Mining Mr. Mohlomi Moleko highlighted that the event is an initiative undertaken by the government of Lesotho to ensure that it moves forward with its mining industry as another sector which contributes massively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lesotho.

He stated that the event also gives a platform to rejuvenate and position Lesotho`s mining industry on global map, thus  making it a more fulfilled sector which can also be one of the sectors creating more jobs in the country.

On the other hand, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Southern African Mining Association (SAMA) Mr. Jabu Xaba, outlined that the purpose of the event is to allow stakeholders to come up   with measures which can be executed towards the growth of mines across the country.

He added that it is also to ensure there is  proper leadership ideally positioned  to put Lesotho’s mining industry in the global pedestal.

“The vision is to open discussion platforms which will also enable or open opportunities for women in the mining industry”, he concluded.

Similarly, the Chairperson of the Lesotho Chamber of Mines Mr. Matooane Thinyane stated that despite the challenges of lack of markets and exposure to the global inflation,  Lesotho mines are growing towards a positive side as over 3000 people are employed in each of the four commercial mines operating in Lesotho.

He stressed that it is important for all the stakeholders of the mining industry to form collaborations that will ensure the sustainability of the mining sector in Lesotho.

The event was held under the theme ‘The future of Mining in the global landscape’, the mining indaba did not only  showcase what the country has to offer in terms of mining but was also a platform to discuss chronic challenges faced by the sector.