Govt forgoes P160m in copper royalties

Answering a question in parliament this week, the Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila said the deferred royalties from copper mines in total amounts to $14.2 million (P160 million) from two companies that were in operation last year.

“Government attempted to save operations of copper mining companies by deferring royalties due in order to assist cash flows and mitigate job losses. Messina Copper which operates as African Copper owes $7.7 million (P86.8 million) while Tati Nickel Mining Company owes $6.5 million (P71.8 million),” he said.