Staff Reporter

Government’s vision for a US$12 billion mining sector economy by 2023 is fast becoming a reality, as the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) surpasses its diamond production target by a whopping 75% despite COVID-19 challenges in the year ending December 2021.

As at 31 December, ZCDC recorded 4 013 219.90 carats against its projected target of 2 300 00.00 which translates to a 75% increase.  The total diamond stock as at 31 December 2021 stood at 3 372 660.25 after 105 000 carats were sold and ZCDC conducted an international diamond tender and realised US$7.5 million.

This publication managed to speak to a contact within the ZCDC who attributed the success to uninterrupted supply of electricity and fuel as well as the new machinery that was imported from Germany in the first quarter of 2021.

“Government efforts of ensuring uninterrupted supply of fuel and electricity to the mining sector have contributed significantly to the efficient production of diamond hence, the results. 

“Again, the increased operational efficiency can be attributed to equipment that was imported from Germany in
March 2021.  The equipment comprises of 2 excavators and some service kits,” said the contact that preferred anonymity.