Govt probes diamond reserves

diamond policy and legislation to ensure maximum exploitation of the gems.
Presently, Zimbabwe extracts diamonds in Marange, Murowa and Beitbridge, but it is not clear exactly how much of the gem is in the ground.
Studies conducted in the colonial era, using archaic technology, had concluded that existing reserves were not favourable. But this contradicts sharply with developments at Chiadzwa in Marange where it seems the precious mineral exists in limitless abundance.
Preliminary data collected thus far has also shown that diamond reserves could be lying idle in Ngulube, Mwenezi and Triangle areas.
Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Gift Chimanikire said the data would feed into the formulation of a diamond policy.
The policy would also be supported by special legislation, the Diamond Act, scheduled for approval during the second session of Parliament.
“We are crafting a Diamond Act and need detailed historical information on diamond exploration, going back to the first time diamonds were discovered in Matabeleland in 1840. We want to put down the information to craft a diamond policy,” he said.
The deputy minister said historical data was critical in determining the extent of the diamond reserves for maximum benefit.
He said Zimbabwe’s level of diamond production now warranted better and well-defined structures to deal with diamonds related issues.
It is estimated Zimbabwe has the potential to supply 25 percent of the gems traded on global markets, realising about US$2,5 billion annually.
The diamond policy and legislation, apart from the Minerals Act being amended, would also result in the establishment of a diamond commission, advisory body and key critical administrative structures.
The initiatives come as Government has also been trying to establish how much the country could have lost through the fraudulent activities of companies exploring for gems in the past.
Suspects could include global resources firm De Beers, which explored for diamonds for years but had very little to show for it.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu is overseeing the process to determine how much the country could have been prejudiced of.
Minister Mpofu last week alleged De Beers looted the country’s diamonds and when “we were starting to get clever” they pulled out.
For years, the minister alleged, the firm claimed to be collecting samples for testing abroad, but this was reportedly a hoax to smuggle diamonds as one “needs less that two minutes” to pick a gem in Marange.
While his efforts have been hampered by lack of information, Government hopes critical documentation would be retrieved from countries, companies and institutions that Zimbabwe befriends.
Zimbabwe has not been able to access documents containing information on exploration studies carried out by a Canadian firm in the 1970s.
Efforts to establish the extent of reserves especially in Marange through fresh exploration have been held back by lack of funding as the country is still recovering from a decade of economic instability.
Plans are underway to conduct the exercise through a State controlled exploration firm to be established in the near future while an aeromagnetic survey that would be conducted countrywide.