‘ADPA meeting a success’

Farirai Machivenyika, Senior Reporter

Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, has hailed the unity of purpose within African diamond producers, saying that will ensure the precious mineral will contribute more to the countries’ economies.

He said this at a press conference yesterday following the country’s successful hosting of a meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA).

“It was a fairly routine meeting to discuss a number of pertinent issues affecting the ADPA. As you are aware, the ADPA is a significant contributor to the world production of diamonds. So, really the members have been very keen to see a more active ADPA.

“And thanks to the support of all the 20 members, there is increased activity in terms of ADPA working together to pursue a common cause for the betterment of our African diamond sector and for the betterment of our economies,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s chairmanship of the ADPA in the past two years, said Minister Chitando, was evidence of the success of President Mnangagwa’s foreign policy.

“Thanks to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s foreign policy that Zimbabwe is the chair of the ADPA which resonates well with his mantra that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s chairmanship of the ADPA will end early next year.

Minister Chitando said the communique will outline issues agreed during the meeting and would be released soon adding that issues around traceability of diamonds from their country of origin dominated the meeting.

“But suffice to say the whole agenda concentrated on matters to strengthen ADPA and on pursuing the African diamond vision.

“However, I will also just say at this stage that the ADPA will be moving into new offices in Angola, which have been provided courtesy of the Angolan government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Chitando said the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company is in the process of re-capitalising to open new mines and improve efficiencies.