BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The energy and mining sectors are Eswatini’s catalysts for economic development.
This was said by Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela today (Wednesday, October 9, 2024). According to information from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the minister said this when having an interview with Forbes Africa Magazine.
“The energy and mining sectors are catalysts for our country’s progress and the growth of our economy. They not only provide opportunities for employment, but also stimulate innovation and investment, paving the way for a brighter future for our nation,” Prince Lonkhokhela said.
The purpose of the interview was to allow the minister to showcase Eswatini’s investment potential and positioning the country as ‘Africa’s New Promise.’ This opportunity provided a platform to highlight the country’s progress and the key stakeholders driving its development, with the aim of attracting potential investors and partners from across the continent.
During the interview, the Minister emphasized the critical role of the energy and mining sectors in driving the country’s economic growth and development. The Minister highlighted the potential of these sectors to create jobs, spur innovation, and contribute to the overall development of Eswatini.
His Majesty King Mswati III has identified the mining sector as one of the industries that could help the country to improve its economy. That is the reason why from 2021 to 2022, the Ministry conducted Phase 1 of multi-disciplinary Geoscience Mapping exercise in the Manzini and Hhohho regions, which was worth E17 million. The exercise was aimed at identifying and prioritising mineral targets in the country.
The E17 million worth survey was groundbreaking as a new group of minerals from Copper-Nickel-Platinum Group Elements were discovered in three different areas in the Hhohho Region, which are Siphocosini, Mhlambanyatsi and LaMgabhi-Luyengo.
The second phase of the Multidisciplinary Geoscience Survey Mapping, which is set to cost E18 million, was launched in December last year. The exercise will be locating available minerals in the Shiselweni and Lubombo Regions.