2024-08-02
MOKHOTLONG – The investigation into the mining activities of Letseng Diamond Mine, a subsidiary of Lesotho-based GEM-Diamonds, led to the company's local offices establishing regular meetings with the local community representatives.
As Letšeng Diamonds became aware of the investigation being carried out by the journalists, it hosted the Media engagement session at their offices in Maseru just before the investigations' findings revealed that despite having won climate awards, the activities of the company led to the water pollution in the area.
The objective of that media session was declared as creation a formal platform on which Letšeng can engage with the media, and by extension, the general public. However, it seemed to be more destined to promoting the economic contribution of Letšeng Diamonds rather than elaborating on what the company will do to tackle the environmental impacts.
The session was attended by local print, radio and electronic media representatives.
More recently, on 4th July 2024, Letšeng Diamonds held another session, now with the representatives of Pae-la-itlhatsoa community from nine nearby villages, which can be seen as a more positive development, as the latter could directly express their concerns.
There is a hope that these sessions become quarterly and serve as a platform for open dialogue.
Photo: Letšeng Diamonds facebook page
