All set for Mining & Energy Khotla

Energy minister Professor Nqosa Mahao is expected to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Mining & Energy Khotla as part of the government’s efforts to consolidate the relationship between the two most important sectors of the country’s economy.

Prof Mahao is expected to address issues on how the provision of energy affects the extractive industries in Lesotho at a time when the world is moving towards ‘green’ energy and ‘green mining’ to guard against climate change and global warming, among others.

The second edition of the annual Mining & Energy Khotla is scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 September 2024 in the form of a conference and an exhibition.

The two events are being organised by Lioness Events under the theme: ‘Accelerating inclusivity in the Mining and Energy business for the Beneficiation of Basotho’.

According to Thato Pekeche, on behalf of the organisers, this year the three-day conference and exhibition will have an added energy component to it as mining relies heavily on the provision of energy at a time when the world has shifted its focus on clean and renewable energy.

Pekeche says there are a number of exciting speakers and academics at the conference. Among them will be Dr Thakaramahlaha Lehohla from South Africa, who will present the topic: ‘Establishing Strategic Regional Value Chains and Infrastructure in Africa for Sustainable Industrialisation – Advancement of the Africa Free Trade Agreement and the BRICS initiative’.

Professor Pule Kholopane, who is currently affiliated with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will also be one of the speakers. He specialises in Industrial and Operations Management, a topic that is vital to both the mining and energy sectors.

Another speaker is Lenka Thamae, a water and mining rights activist, who will make a presentation on: ‘The importance of Environmental Impact Assessment and public participation in Mining & Energy’.

Other speakers are expected from various the private sector and government departments including representatives from the ministries of mining, energy, education, and Innovation Science and Technology.

Pekeche said one of the conference’s pillars this year is that of inclusivity and therefore, the inclusion of women and the youth at the event was paramount.

“We also encourage the participation of women in the sector, hence one of the speakers, Neo Haila, the CEO Storm Mines will give an outline how she has been able to penetrate and participate in the industry,” she noted.

“Her Royal Highness Princess Senate has agreed to address the youth on how they can participate in the mineral and energy industries as they are the future leaders who can carry the country forward,” she noted.

To further heighten the interest in the mining and energy sectors by the youth, a science fair and student competition will take place during the conference to showcase local talent in current and future energy projects as well futuristic ideas in the exploration of renewable energy in terms of hydrogen, wind and solar as sources of energy. 

While the conference is going on at Lancers Inn, visitors might want to take a short walk across the road to Pioneer Mall for the free Mining & Energy exhibition where various companies and organisations will showcase their products.

Organisers say a number of local and international exhibitors have already confirmed their participation and among them is South Africa’s power utility, Eskom.

The inaugural Mining Khotla in 2018 attracted 389 local and regional exhibitors. 

However, when the Covid pandemic hit the industry in 2019 the event came to an abrupt halt. But organisers say they are back and ready to tackle the deliberations  further and make them bigger by expanding the conference and expo to tap into the energy space – hence the  Mining & Energy Khotla.

Other issues to be discussed at the conference include: private sector investment and innovative financing  solutions; Mining technology and equipment; Solar technology, installation and equipment; Access to finance for mining & energy opportunities;  Rural development and solar energy usage; the future of energy in Africa; Skills development; Policy regulation and trade terms as well as Health and Safety Awareness.      

Among the expected outcomes, the Khotla will seek to explore fundamental reforms that will facilitate the development of a regulatory framework for artisanal mining and build awareness to inform Basotho about the opportunities within the mining and energy sectors.

It also aims to inform them about acquiring artisanal mining licences to promote inclusivity and localised  economic development.

“The conference will also highlight the need for mining companies to prioritise the employment of locals, especially women and the youth  in addition to ensuring  the transfer of labour and skills to locals by expatriates by training and capacitation,” Pekeche pointed out.