Lucara celebrates success
working with communities in Botswana, and that through a partnership with Debswana they have provided clean water to the Letlhakane community through the excess water in their operation. “We empower communities through the integrated farms that we have set up at Mukibilo, Khwee and Kolonkwaneng. We have equipped the Letlhakane abattoir from a slaughter house into a state of the art abattoir,” she highlighted.
Addressing guests at the gala dinner, President Mokgweetsi Masisi emphasized that he was confident that Botswana will be a knowledge based economy characterized by efficiency- based economy. He told guests that he envisions a country where the service sector will be developed to be internationally competitive and exportable to other countries.“However, mining will continue to play a vital part in the trajectory of our development, especially with emphasis on beneficiation initiatives spinning off from extractive industries. Undeniably, mining, especially in the diamond sector has been the largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” said the President.
The President highlighted that through Botswana diamonds, they have managed to develop the country from a low income country to an upper middle- income status whilst also boosting the economy of local communities in proximity to the mining areas.
Furthermore, he noted that Botswana government and Lucara Botswana benefit from the partnership between Lucara Diamond Corp and HB Group, through the 2020 Sales Agreement that focuses on high value stones of upwards of 10.8 carats.
“It is gratifying to note that the point of sale maximizes value of the cut and polished stones rather than the sale of just rough diamonds which markedly increases the tax revenue and beneficiation opportunities for Government,” he said.
He reiterated that the government is determined to improve its facilitation of businesses operating in Botswana. This, he said, is evidenced by the review of the Mining Legislation with the aim of removing barriers that may be hindering businesses to thrive. On top of the Diamond Cutting Amendment Bill passed at the August 2021 sitting of the National Assembly, he divulged that the Government also intends to review the Mines and Minerals Act, in order to modernize the Minerals legislation. “The amendment bill is expected to be tabled before parliament during the July 2022 session, and it is our desire that it serves the mining industry well,” said the President.