Botswana’s government and the business community have been urged to hold talks on ways more people can play a key role in the country’s mining industry, particularly in regard to ownership of mines, by the CEO of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), Dr Racious Moatshe.

The CEO was part of the recent ‘Trade Up North’ mining, manufacturing and construction exhibition held in Francistown, which features the latest tech, services, equipment and machinery used in mining, manufacturing and construction in Botswana. It also provides networking opportunities for stakeholders.

During the seminar, concerns were raised that the local mining industry is owned by foreign multinational companies. The people of Botswana just play a supporting role in the mining sector by sand mining, whereas diamond, copper and coal mining are controlled by foreigners, reports Mmegi news source.

“The time has now come to engage in serious dialogue in terms of how citizens or citizen consortiums can be encouraged and supported to take a leading role in the country’s mining sector (big mining operations). We now have to discuss how the skill of our people can be combined to ensure that Batswana benefit directly from huge mining activities by going into ownership,” Dr Moatshe said during the seminar.

There are fears that locals are faced with numerous obstacles, such as financing for general operations and exploration. As such, Moatshe stated financial institutions should be part of discussions on ways Batswana can surpass financial barriers to increase their role in mining. “Engagements with banks should focus on how they can assist Batswana to engage in expensive mining processes such as exploration and general operations,” he added.

In addition, mayor of Selebi-Phikwe, Lucas Modimana showed concerns about locals not playing a key role in the mining industry, particularly ownership: “The country should commission a study aimed at finding out why Batswana are reluctant to go into mining most notably as owners. We have many Batswana who are skilled enough to go into mining. The study can also help come up with interventions or strategies that will encourage citizens to go into mining.”