The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Mathibeli Mokhothu officially opened the second mine owned by Mosotho at Qaqa within the Malingoaneng Constituency in Mokhotlong on Thursday.
The mine is called the Qaqa Diamond Mine.
Speaking after the sod-turning ceremony performed to mark the official opening of the mine, Mr. Mokhothu urged the Ministry of Mining to consider reviewing of shareholding owned by the government in mines run by foreign investors.
He said there is a need for the shareholding staked by the government to be increased to at least to 51 percent so that the funding can be used towards the development of the country.
Currently, the shareholding owned by the Lesotho government ranges between 25 and 30 percent differing with mining companies.
Mr. Mokhothu also said it is encouraging for Basotho to own mines, adding that the expectation is that they will create employment for their fellow countrymen and reduce unemployment facing the majority of the nation.
He said a Development Bank where Basotho can invest and borrow money to implement development projects such as the mines should be opened.
He also talked about the issue of Basotho partnering with investors as well as become shareholders instead of just being compensated after their land which they used either as ranges have been affected by the implementation of huge projects that include mines.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Mining, Mr. Serialong Qoo said his Ministry is mandated to create employment through the opening of more mines owned by Basotho for socio-economic development.
Also addressing the public was the Principal Chief of Malingoaneng Chief Qetho Sekonyela who urged the mining company to ensure that the opening of the mine benefits the locals by getting employment.
He said he is optimistic that the opening of more mines will prevent Basotho men from going to South Africa and engage in illegal mining which results from fights and unnecessary deaths.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Qaqa Diamond Mining company, Mr. Mohapi Khofu thanked the government through the Ministry of Mining for issuing a license to mine diamonds.
He pledged a commitment to contribute towards the development and economic growth of the country.
Mr. Khofu requested support from the nearby mines of Lets’eng and Mothae. Qaqa Diamond mine is located a kilometer away from Lets’eng while it is also located two kilometers from Mothae.
The first Mosotho-owned mine called Thaba Telle Diamond Mine was officially opened in August this year in Mokhotlong.
There are six diamond mines operating in the country and they are Lets’eng, Mothae, Kao, Liqhobong, Thaba Telle and Qaqa.
Source: LENA 14/10/2020