Gov't places P700m bet on Minergy
Friday, April 25, 2025 | 670 Views |
Troubled: Minergy’s Masama Mine has experienced operating challenges in recent times
PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Government has chosen to put skin in the troubled game, opting to convert its debt to Minergy into an equity stake that would make government a shareholder through its mining investment agency, the Minerals Development Company Botswana (MDCB).
Currently, Minergy owes government a total of P716 million held through convertible quasi debt instruments between two parastatals being MDCB and the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC). Both interests are the result of loan advances over time to Minergy Coal for operations.
Whilst the project received mixed reactions from members of the public, the project is indeed a welcome development, which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Many shared their opinion, with those against the project decrying that if implemented, it will kill the already struggling public transport industry.Many countries around the world have state-run public transport, and those who have travelled to such countries will give testimony...