by Tafanana Kwedu
ALROSA (Zimbabwe) Limited, a joint venture between ALROSA and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), has started prospecting and preliminary exploration works for primary diamond deposits in the country.
ALROSA is a leading world diamond mining industry, partially owned by the Russian government.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa visited Russia twice last year to lure investors from the European country as part of efforts of the New Dispensation to rejuvenate the country’s economy following years of stagnation.
ALROSA said the company was set to commence prospecting and exploration in Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Matebeleland North provinces.
“In July 2020, ALROSA Zim’s geologists to start geochemical sampling, trenching and pitting in Malipati (Masvingo) zone, with ground geophysical surveys to follow. Towards the end of year, the same prospecting operations, including airborne geophysical surveys to be conducted in the Maitengwe (Matabeleland South) area,” it said.
It said bulk sampling and drilling was going to commence in 2021.
“Following the signing of a joint venture agreement with ZCDC to develop diamond deposits in Zimbabwe in December 2019, we are progressing well towards the initiation of the full-scale prospecting works this year. Being a member of Responsible Jewellery Council, World Diamond Council and Natural Diamond Council, ALROSA complies in full with all industry commitments on responsible business practices and its own corporate standards.
“ALROSA is committed to follow these principles strictly while working in the Republic of Zimbabwe, minimizing adverse environmental impact in all areas of activities and using mineral resources comprehensively and rationally”, the company said.
ALROSA’s investments in Zimbabwe for 2020-2022 are expected to reach $12 million.
The company has 70 percent shares in ALROSA Zimbabwe Limited joint venture and 30% in ZCDC. The joint venture focuses on prospecting, exploration and, in case of success, mining of primary diamond deposits in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The corporation between Russia and Zimbabwe started prior 1980 and has witnessed Russian investments in other mining ventures such as gold in Penhalonga and platinum in the Great Dyke area.
Russia also stood by Zimbabwe when the European Union imposed illegal sanctions on the country in early 2000.
The implementation of the ALROSA Zim deal throws an egg on the face of the country’s detractors, who last year accused President Mnangagwa of “globe-trotting,” wasting taxpayers’ money.
