Eswatini has completed the second phase of its national geological mapping program, uncovering significant deposits of lithium, tantalum, and other soft earth minerals, according to the country’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela.
In an interview with Energy Capital & Power, Lonkhokhela explained that the survey covers the entire kingdom, with preliminary results currently being analyzed.
Despite the sector’s current contribution of less than 1% to GDP, the Minister emphasized the country’s goal of boosting the mining sector to contribute 50% of GDP by capitalizing on these newly identified critical minerals.
To attract investment and ensure the responsible exploitation of minerals, Eswatini is also updating its mining regulations, focusing on benefiting 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,” stated Lonkhokhela.
The kingdom is collaborating with South Africa to leverage its refining infrastructure and 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,” Lonkhokhela added.
