Africa-Press – Eswatini. The newly issued Lubhuku coal mining licence will directly benefit all Emaswati, as the project is fully owned by the nation.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, during the official licence-granting ceremony held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane.
The licence, granted by the Mines and Minerals Board (MMB), allows the Eswatini Electricity Feedstock Company (EEFC)—a wholly owned subsidiary of the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC)—to undertake coal mining operations on 4 000 hectares of land in Lubhuku. The permit is valid for 20 years and is renewable.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from government, the energy sector and the mining industry. The Minister witnessed the signing of the licence by EEC Managing Director Earnest Mkhonta, who represented the feedstock company. The licence was formally handed over by the Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Board, His Royal Highness Prince Guduza.
In his keynote address, Prince Lonkhokhela expressed deep appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III, under whose authority the licence was issued. He also thanked the Minerals Management Board for its thorough oversight and due diligence throughout the licensing process.
The Minister emphasised that the Lubhuku coal mine represents a strategic national asset designed to serve the collective interest of Emaswati. Because the EEFC is owned 100 per cent by the EEC—and the EEC itself is owned by the Government of Eswatini—he said the financial and developmental benefits of the project would flow directly to the people.
“This is a national project for national gain,” Prince Lonkhokhela stated. “The fact that a wholly government-owned entity has been entrusted with this licence guarantees that all Emaswati will share in the long-term value generated from Lubhuku. This includes improved energy security, economic activity, job creation, and revenue that will support national development.”
He further highlighted that the mining venture is expected to strengthen Eswatini’s energy sector by providing a reliable and locally sourced feedstock supply. This, he said, will reduce dependency on imported fuels, enhance self-sufficiency, and open new economic opportunities linked to mining and energy production.
The Minister noted that the government remains committed to ensuring responsible and sustainable mining practices, including environmental compliance and community engagement throughout the project’s lifespan.
The issuance of the Lubhuku coal mining licence marks a significant milestone in Eswatini’s drive to harness its mineral resources for inclusive national development. As groundwork for the project begins, expectations are high for its contribution to employment, energy stability, and socio-economic progress.
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