Staff Reporter
In a bid to create more job opportunities in Lesotho, the Ministry of Natural Resources has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bokamoso Mining House, a local company, to explore the feasibility of coal mining in Mohale’s Hoek district.
The MOA, equivalent to a prospecting license, grants Bokamoso Mining the right to conduct coal exploration through excavation, borehole drilling, and setting up temporary camps on the allocated site for up to two years.
To aid in the process, Bokamoso has roped in two South African mining experts to lead the exploration work.
Speaking at the launch of the prospecting activities recently in Qhalasi and Matebeleng, Mohale’s Hoek, Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko expressed hope that coal mining could expand the country’s limited mineral resource base, which is currently dominated by diamonds.
“Lesotho has the potential to mine various minerals, including coal, crude oil, shale gas, and uranium,” Moleko said.
“These resources could be critical in creating much-needed employment opportunities.”
Moleko explained that the current phase of exploration is aimed at determining the feasibility of commercial mining.
“If the findings are positive, the next stage will be to issue a mining lease,” he said.
While previous coal exploration efforts in the area were abandoned, Moleko expressed confidence that Bokamoso Mining would not follow the same path as its predecessors.
At least two companies — Kenco Mining and Sando Investments (in partnership with South Africa’s Masemanzi Mining Company) — have previously been granted permission to explore in the area but failed to complete their work.
Kenco Mining signed the MOA with the Ministry in 2017, but there were inconclusive results from their exploration after they abandoned the work midway.
“I’m encouraged by the commitment of Bokamoso Mining. I have witnessed their dedication in the energy sector, and I’m hopeful they will complete this task.”
The presence of coal deposits in the Qhalasi area has been known for many years. In fact, members of the local community previously engaged in artisanal digging for surface coal deposits. However, these unregulated diggings ended tragically in the 1980s when a mine collapse claimed the lives of three women. Since then, locals have refrained from further diggings.
Moleko highlighted the government’s urgent need for successful coal exploration to create jobs.
“It’s our wish to open more mines and create employment. While diamonds have received most of the attention, there are indications of other mineral resources that could be even more profitable, such as coal, crude oil, and uranium.”
The ministry also plans to embark on a nationwide mineral high technology surveying campaign to record all available mining resources across Lesotho.
Matšepiso Mohapi of Bokamoso Mining emphasised the company’s determination to succeed where others who came before them have failed. Her confidence also stems from the fact that she is from Mohale’s Hoek district.
“We are here to work, not play. We understand how much this project means for the people of Mohale’s Hoek in terms of job creation, and we do not intend to disappoint anyone, including Minister Moleko, who gave us this opportunity,” Mohapi said.
