Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Tours The Perth Mint in Australia

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane today toured The Perth Mint in Perth, Australia, as part of his official visit for the 23rd Africa Down Under Conference. The visit highlighted the importance of precious metals to global economies and the opportunities they present for Africa’s mining sector.

Founded in 1899, The Perth Mint is Australia’s only government-owned and guaranteed precious metals enterprise. It refines gold and silver and manufactures high-value products that include bullion bars, collector coins, platinum and gold jewellery, and investment-grade precious metals. The Mint is a key player in the international market, supplying products to investors and collectors worldwide.

During his tour, Prime Minister Matekane was taken through the full manufacturing process. He observed how raw materials are refined, cast, and transformed into products that carry global recognition. The visit provided insight into how Australia leverages advanced technology and strong governance to maintain credibility in the international precious metals market.

The Perth Mint was originally established as a branch of the Royal Mint of the United Kingdom in the 1890s. Today, it operates as one of the most trusted institutions in the industry, with a reputation for quality, security, and innovation. Its government backing provides investors and partners with an added layer of confidence, making its products highly sought after.

Prime Minister Matekane’s visit to The Perth Mint forms part of Lesotho’s broader engagement at the Africa Down Under Conference, which brings together leaders, investors, and industry experts to discuss the role of mining in Africa’s growth. His presence underscores Lesotho’s interest in strengthening ties with global institutions and learning from models that can help advance the country’s mineral sector.

By visiting The Perth Mint, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of value addition, transparency, and international standards in mining. The experience is expected to inform discussions on how African countries can better position themselves in the global mining and investment landscape.