Zim diamond shines

Tichaona Zindoga
A seventy-four carat diamond at Murowa Diamond Mine in Zvishavane has been named the “most valuable” by Rio Tinto during a “Specials” tender showcasing the finest, large rough diamonds from the company’s three operating diamond mines. In a statement, Rio Tinto, which holds a 78 percent stake in Murowa, said more than 100 diamond specialists from around the world were invited to bid on the Rio Tinto Diamonds Specials Tender. Participants placed their bids via Rio Tinto Diamonds online bidding platform.

Thirty-four companies were successful with strong representation from Israel.
“Diamonds greater than 10,8 carats in qualities that qualify as “special” and Rio Tinto’s rough diamonds, mined in Australia, Canada and Zimbabwe, all contributed to this collection, which was offered for tender in Antwerp and Israel from October 3 to 24,” announced Rio Tinto in a statement on Wednesday.

This collection was comprised of 104 parcels of diamonds and was notable for the large fancy cognac diamonds from the Argyle Mine in Western Australia.

“The most valuable diamond was a 74 carat diamond from the Murowa Mine in Zimbabwe.” Rio Tinto Diamonds general manager (sales) Mr Patrick Coppens said: “This specials tender showcases the unique portfolio of Rio Tinto’s diamond mines and the results reflect the strong demand and resilience for diamonds at this end of the market.”

Rio Tinto is the only mining company that sells its diamonds by mine and country of origin. Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 percent control of the Argyle Mine in Australia, 60 percent of the Diavik Mine in Canada and 100 percent interest in the Bunder project in India.