BULAWAYO - Small scale miners have demanded claims on the controversial Chiadzwa diamond fields, adding that it would be a drive towards the empowerment of blacks under the country's Indigenisation laws.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), which represents small scale miners, said the government should consider allocating diamond claims to them as they contribute significantly to the country’s mining industry. “Small scale miners contribute significantly to the country’s mining industry. The government should consider allocating diamond claims to us,” said Trinos Nkomo, the ZMF president. Acting Mines Minister, Emmerson Mngangagwa, could not be reached for comment.
Chiadzwa diamond fields have been the centre of controversy since the government seized them from the British based African Consolidated Resources (ACR) firm. ACR has warned investors and other buyers from purchasing the diamonds from Marange saying they are stolen. The company has also alerted Interpol and wants diamond buyers in the United
States and Europe to be prosecuted for receiving stolen property if they buy the Zimbabwean stones.
Nkomo also bemoaned the lack of funding for small scale miners, saying the move was disempowering ZMF members. “Finance Minister Tendai Biti did not allocate enough funds to economically empower small scale miners. Such a development is dangerous for the mining sector.
Post published in: News