Transparency regulation in the diamond mining sector in Lesotho: Lessons from South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to discuss the mining legislation in Lesotho in relation to transparency that enables local communities to participate in the diamond mining sector taking lessons from South Africa. The study makes recommendations for the Minerals and Mining Bill. The study explores the reasons for transparency in the extractive industry in relation to good governance. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative,the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, and the Open Governance Partnership are used as benchmarks to determine best practice in the regulation of transparency in the diamond sector. The study found that Lesotho's legal framework is still lacking in regulating transparency in the diamond sector. Taking learning points from South Africa, and the international initiatives, recommendations are made as to how to improve the Minerals and Mining Bill of 2017 of Lesotho to ensure transparency within the diamond industry in Lesotho.