New chapter as govt handholds small-scale miners

Acting Director of Mines, Gabotshwarege Tshekiso, revealed government's plans on Wednesday when briefing stakeholders at the launch of the Department of Water Affairs' strategic plan. The grand plans for small-scale citizen industrial miners are part of both the parent ministry's 2009-2016 strategy and NDP 10. "Mining is a very risky and capital-intensive business," Tshekiso said.

"In recognition of this, and to enable citizens to participate, government needs a programme to boost small-scale miners. This support will be extended up to bankable feasibility, then we will approach institutions such as BDC, CEDA and others for funding.