By Patience Rashai

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commissioned a new processing plant at the Chiadzwa diamond fields, in Marange - Manicaland, a move meant to boost the country’s foreign currency earnings through exportation of more diamonds.

Speaking during the commissioning, the President said that there was need for Government to continue capacitating productive sectors in order to boost the country’s economy.

“We are impressed with this development and as Government we will continue supporting such lucrative productive sectors, as they have the capacity to boost the country’s economy.

“This plant has the capacity to produce 450 tonnes per hour to process conglomerate diamonds and hence will certainly enhance productivity.

The commissioned plant from the State-owned diamond mining company, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has an estimated cost of $100 million.

 “ZCDC has been undertaking alluvial mining, and alluvial deposits have since depleted, hence, the new plant will enable the company to undertake conglomerate mining for enhanced efficiency,” he added.

The diamond mining company recently announced plans to increase production of diamonds by 488% to 10 million carats in the next five years from 1, 7 million carats produced last year.

President Mnangagwa reiterated that Government would continue supporting projects which stimulate economic growth, as this launch was in tandem with Government’s value addition and beneficiation thrust.

On the same vein, the President also officially opened a computer and science block built by ZCDC as part of their corporate social responsibility at Gandauta – Chiadzwa, as well as launched a livestock breeding programme (artificial insemination project) in Chiadzwa.