Bennett asked Tombale how many people would be employed if mining starts and if it would not be a disruption of the resident’s traditional way of life. He suggested to Tombale to look into the future and at the direct impact of roads on settlements if a town is established in the CKGR. Bennett also suggested that if a mine was built, it is bound to have an effect on the gathering of veld products and the wet and dry season camps.
He said that the mine would attract more people from outside the reserve because of its medical and other facilities.
Tombale said that mining would benefit the people, as it would offer employment. He said it would be a matter of choice for the people to change their way of life or not. He said people would have to be trained for employment but he would not be drawn into discussing whether some people would have to be flown into the CKGR.
He said that depending on the type of mining, there may not be a need for a town and he would not know whether a road would be needed. The PS said Gope which is in the eastern part of CKGR, could be accessed from Orapa. He said before the Gope Exploration Company camp was built, there were no human settlements in Gope.
Tombale said that to move all people from the CKGR because of a small deposit in Gope would not be right. He could not think of detrimental effects of the mine on the people. “All mines in Botswana have had a positive effect on the local people,” he said.
He added that since 1978, there have been explorations in the whole country, including two thirds of the CKGR and if Gope deposits are viable and beneficial, they would be mined.
He told the court that during independence, rights were entrusted to the state and every Motswana and not only people living in the area would benefit from minerals. “When we started, we were a very small country, we focused on all,” he said.
Tombale added that when developing a mine, a sociological, ecological and environmental impact assessment is required before granting a mining licence. He explained that since it was introduced in 1999, only one Retention licence has been granted to Gope Exploration Company. He said 120 prospecting licences for the entire country have been given and 31 of them cover the CKGR. The licences were given to a major mining company - BHP Billiton.
Tombale’s affidavit suggests that a feasibility study indicated that mining in Gope would be problematic from a commercial point of view. Government attorney, Sidney Pilane rose a few times to remind Bennett that Tombale was a witness of fact and the line of questioning was hypothetical, speculative and there was a need for foundation. Pilane is expected to re-examine Tombale when the case resumes. The court went on a visit to Gope yesterday.
