Zim diamonds conflict free

MARTHA MAMOMBE

An executive with the state-run Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has stated that diamonds extracted in Zimbabwe are conflict-free and not blood diamonds.

Admore Mangoma, manager of ZCDC, stated during a media workshop in Mutare that local diamonds in Zimbabwe are free of conflict and are not to be confused with blood diamonds, which are usually mined in conflict areas and sold to fund insurgencies.

“The diamonds that we mine are conflict-free. The industry we operate in is about perception and, the media is key in helping to unlock the full value of diamonds as we strive to contribute to the fiscus.”

Mangoma emphasized that Zimbabwe’s rich mineral communities must maintain social harmony, safety, and peace in order to support the country’s lucrative  extractive sector.

Zimbabwe is reportedly now the world’s seventh-largest producer of diamonds.

“Internationally, Zimbabwe’s diamond mining dominated by ZCDC is the 7th largest producer in the world. Let’s market this story so we can convert this status into revenue because the value of diamonds is all about perception and perception is managed through the media.”

He made these remarks in response to critics who have been pushing for the designation of gemstones mined in Zimbabwe as “blood diamonds” in the wake of the early 2008 diamond rush, which was characterised by small-scale, informal alluvial mining carried out by local communities that was eventually outlawed to permit the operation of registered mining companies.

He said ZCDC has supported local communities.

“This achievement [7th largest producer] means we can continue to support our local enterprises and farmers through our community buying framework. We have also improved the quality of life through community initiatives.

“We are able to honour our obligations, taxes, licence fees and pay dividends. It is all above board.”

Revenues for ZCDC  have soared from a mere US$42m in 2016 to its current US$423.

Hardwork Mukwada, the CEO of Chiadzwa Community Share Ownership Trust, said there was a good relationship between ZCDC and the community.

“The community and ZCDC relations are not void. The company has a whole department and written agreements for the community. We have access to ZCDC medical facilities and employment.

“Recounting the past painful experiences of conflict in Chiadzwa is like recounting rape over and over again after justice is done, it serves no purpose. We have moved on. We have a good relationship with ZCDC.”

Diamonds and other natural resources have been the catalyst for violent conflicts that have claimed lives, caused humanitarian crises, and prolonged periods of political, economic, and social instability in other parts of Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, and Guinea.

“Although we have disagreed in the past, we have learnt from every experience. There is tangible, qualitative evidence to support claims of development in our community that anyone who cares to visit can see. We are happy that ZCDC respects the community.” Dr Mukwada said.

Speaking at the same ZCDC-hosted media workshop in Mutare, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, the Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs, stated that the province is strategic and resourceful because it has a variety of successful businesses.

“Apart from being the hub of our precious gems; diamonds. I’m proud to say that the province is endowed with lithium, gold, tanzanite, copper, iron and marble. Other than mining, Manicaland Province is also rich in the agricultural sector, with horticultural crops tea and coffee being grown here. We also have timber plantations thriving immensely”  Mugadza said.

With the presence of ZDCD and other successful companies, Manicaland Province could easily become the top-performing province aside from Harare Metropolitan, which is the nation’s business and financial district. The largest ethanol plant in the country is located in Chisumbanje. Ethanol is used to produce a blend of gasoline that is widely used in many parts of the world to reduce the country’s fuel import bill.