Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe remains committed to adhering to the best practices in the diamond sector and open to learning and adapting to the requirements of this dynamic industry.
Speaking at the Intra-Africa Diamond Beneficiation and Value Addition Conference in Victoria Falls today, Minister of Mines and Mining Development Soda Zhemu said that the Government is dedicated to maximising the value derived from the country’s diamond resources.
“This initiative is welcome as it is an opportunity for knowledge sharing on best practices in the diamond sector. As diamond producers, we should be the leaders in the value addition of our mineral resources. It is time that we take a leading role, not as producers of rough diamonds but as suppliers of cut and polished diamonds.
“We are dedicated to maximise the value derived from our diamond resources by promoting local beneficiation and value addition initiatives. Zimbabwe has set a 10% quota policy for local diamond cutting and polishing companies. This initiative has created jobs and fostered economic diversification.”
Minister Zhemu further stated that the Zimbabwe Diamond Policy is going to embody a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible diamond sourcing.
“We believe in transparent governance mechanisms to ensure that diamond revenues are accounted for and benefit all stakeholders, including local communities. This we have managed to do by having all diamond exports done through our parastatal Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).”
Minister Zhemu went on to say that the Government is going to engage the community because their policy mandates the participation of the community in decision-making.
“We recognise the importance of community engagement; our policy mandates the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes and ensures that they receive a fair share of diamond benefits through the Community Share Ownership Trust and through encouraging diamond mining companies to conduct Corporate Social Responsibility projects,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, the Minister said that Zimbabwe is also committed to adhering to international best practices in diamond mining, including compliance with the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.
