Eswatini has completed the second phase of its national geological mapping program, revealing deposits of lithium, tantalum and other soft earth minerals, according to the kingdom’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela.
In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power, Lonkhokhela explained that the survey covers the entire kingdom, with the preliminary results currently being analyzed.
While the sector currently contributes less than 1% to GDP, Lonkhokhela said that “We aim to boost the mining sector and increase its contribution to 50% of GDP by capitalizing on these critical minerals.”
He added that Eswatini is also updating its mining regulations to attract investors and ensure mineral exploitation benefits local communities, the economy and the environment.
“Many critical mineral-rich areas in Africa coincide with high poverty levels. We are committed to a new approach; attracting investment, maximizing upstream activities and fostering local value addition and community benefits,” Lonkhokhela stated.
The country is collaborating with South Africa to leverage its refining infrastructure as well as with Tanzania to develop local expertise.
“In two months, we’ll send people to Tanzania to learn from their experience in managing critical minerals, which contribute over 50% to their GDP,” reiterated Lonkhokhela.
