Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) will showcase capital expenditure projects at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) that have resulted in increased output at its mines.
Diamond ore mined and stripped rose 41 percent to 8,9 million tonnes in 2023 from 6,3 million tonnes a year earlier.
The 65th edition of premier exhibition will commence on April 21 and winds down on April 26 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
This year’s theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an integrated economic landscape'” underscores the critical role of industrialisation in driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
According to the ZITF Company, this year’s focus will be on showcasing cutting-edge advancements in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, value-added services and emphasising the need for a robust and competitive industrial base.
ZCDC corporate affairs executive Mr Sugar Chagonda said ZITF presents an enormous opportunity to engage with the organisation’s external stakeholders with the view to establish strong mutually beneficial relationships.
“Becoming a world-class diamond producer is our vision and we are delighted that this year’s theme aligns with that aspiration,” Mr Chagonda said.
“In less than 10 years of existence, ZCDC has made great strides in the diamond mining value chain. Just recently, we commissioned a new Deep Boiling Facility at our Chiadzwa Mine. We believe that this development is a firm commitment towards industrialisation and the optimisation of our operations. In our quest to become a world-class diamond, we are also transforming the lives of numerous households through vibrant our corporate social investments projects.”
Notwithstanding the softening commodity prices on the global market in recent times owing to geopolitical factors and the influx of synthetics, ZCDC’s output has been on an upward trend following the acquisition of production ramp up equipment.
Over the past two years, ZCDC has invested in different diamond mining equipment such as the jaw Area 700 plant phase 2 and the conglomerate detachment plant.
In December 2024, the company commissioned a Deep Boiling Facility, which value adds the precious stones before shipment.
The company also invested in state-of-the-art security systems such as automated searching equipment which play a crucial role in the reduction of pilferage.
The ZCDC is a state-owned diamond company whose operations are in compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter