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from Chiadzwa diamond extraction, saying Government had so far, received US$201 million, a figure which tallies with that of all stakeholders.
Deputy Minister Chimanikire said the figure was as a result of reconciliation made by all stakeholders in that industry.
The money, he said, included a US$27 million dividend that was declared by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation this month.
Deputy Minister Chimanikire said figures from his Ministry, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, ZMDC, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance tallied with Treasury’s figures.
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“A reconciliation pertaining to the dividends that were remitted by the Ministry’s parastatals from Chiadzwa diamond sales for the period January 2010 to February 2011 was carried out in March 2011 and concluded successfully.
“The dividend income that was remitted through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Exchequer account was reconciled and tallied with Treasury figures,” he said.
Mr Chimanikire was responding to a question from Bulawayo South legislator Mr Eddie Cross (MDC-T) who wanted to know the quantity and value of diamonds mined in the country and how much was remitted to Treasury.
Total dividends remitted from 2010 to February this year in royalties and taxes amounted to US$90 million.
There were also royalties remitted through Zimra, corporate tax, Value Added Tax on management fees and on MMCZ and withholding tax, which amounted to US$84 million, bringing the total to US$174 million.
“A further dividend of US$27 million was remitted by ZMDC in July 2011, bringing the total amount remitted to Treasury bringing the total amount remitted to date to US$201,2 million,” he said.
Mazowe Central MP Mr Shepherd Mushonga (MDC-T) asked whether the US$27 million remitted constituted the 50 percent Government equity in Canadile and Mbada, the two companies extracting diamonds at Marange.
“When we speak of shareholding, it may be 50 percent but when it comes to disbursement of proceeds, it does not necessarily mean that you divide the profits by 50 percent and remit to Treasury. We retain a certain amount for various recapitalisation and expenses that are reflected in balance sheet,” he said.
Online Reporter