‘Large-Scale Diamond Mining in Lesotho: Unpacking its Impact on Adjacent Communities’ December 2021

This report provides the analysis and evaluation of the research that was conducted in 19 villages around Large-Scale Mining (LSM) of diamonds in Lesotho. The objective of the study was to find perceptions of local communities and the impacts associated with diamond LSM. MCDF found it necessary to conduct this survey to bring awareness to the responsible stakeholders about good or adverse impacts of mining processes to the communities near the mining companies and thereby recommending possible procedures to ensure responsible mineral sourcing and accountability.

Over a period of two months, civil society surveyors collected observations from 19 villages located near diamond mining companies in Mokhotlong district (Letseng Phuthalichaba, Maloraneng, Paeleaitlhatsoa, Ha Seema, Lichecheng, Patising), Butha-Buthe district (Ramosoeu, Shishila, Nokeng, Kaonyana Matebeleng, Kaonyana Maloseng, Lephatsoane, Lihloahloeng, Nokeng, Porenki, Shishila, Khutloseaja) and Mafeteng district (Mohale, Nkhabu, Petlane and Ramakhoanya). This study aims to unpack both positive and negative impacts on the communities affected by diamond mining, particularly those living in the rural areas where LSM takes place. It seeks to unearth such impacts and bring them to the fore nationally, not only to raise awareness to the responsible parties but also to provide recommendations for more responsible mineral sourcing.

…The communities also complained that job opportunities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) benefits provided by the diamond LSM are insufficient. The mining companies rarely give permanent job contracts to community members and outsource most work to people from outside the region. While companies provide CSR benefits such as foot bridges, water sources and food parcels to the surrounding communities, there are not considered in line with basic community needs. To avoid irrelevant and non-beneficial CSR activities, it is recommended that mining companies include meaningful community consultation and obtaining Free Prior Informed Consent as part of their interaction and communication with communities. We also recommend the government to form a regulatory framework to guide interactions between the mining industry and communities. Conflict resolution, community consultation, monitoring and corporate social responsibility should be included in this framework. In this way, corporate accountability for human rights and the environment could be taken a necessary step forward, resulting in increased respect for and protection of the basic rights of all citizens in Lesotho.