SOMABHULA - Discovery of diamonds here has ignited a diamond rush, with dealers connected to Zanu (PF) bigwigs taking over mining of the precious gem from locals.
The diamonds, which according to geologists are 70m deep and good for jewellery, have been discovered on Magwe farm owned by Migel Caspar Govner, a white Zimbabwean by birth, and on nearby places. Following the discovery, Govner entered into an alliance with nine black Zimbabweans known as Shuma Mining Syndicate in a bid to comply with the countrys controversial indigenization laws.
According to the Indigenization and Empowerment regulations gazetted by Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, at least 51% stake in the economic sector should be owned by indigenous Zimbabweans.But after Shuma Mining Syndicate involved an Anglo-South African investor, Buffalo Minerals, to assist with machinery for the exploitation of the gems, a pro-Zanu (PF) group, which identifies itself as Women in Mining, showed up. The group, linked to provincial Governor Jaison Machaya, has since elbowed out Shuma Mining Syndicate and claimed ownership of the diamond fields.
Under unclear circumstances, central Regional Mines Commissioner I Dube has been suspended from work. Dube was already in bad relations with Mines Minister Obert Mpofu after he refused to be transferred to Bulawayo in 2008. Sources said the Zanu (PF) group took advantage of this to influence his suspension by claiming he had unlawfully given Govner the green light to mine the diamonds.
We are receiving threats on our lives by members of the Women in Mining, who boast of Zanu (PF)s support and they want us out of sight at the diamond fields, a member of Govners syndicate told The Zimbabwean.
Central Regional Mines Engineer Tapererwa Noel Paskwavaviri said explorations to determine whether there were diamonds in Somabhula were still going on and he would only be in a position to comment after the process was completed. The Zimbabwean can reveal that Carslone, a mining firm established by Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono at the height of his discredited quasi-fiscal activities, has registered 21 claims in the area and is also claiming ownership of Govners diamond rich farm.
The companys mining registration number is 27179. We are surprised by the involvement of Carslone because RBZs quasi fiscal activities were long stopped by Finance Minister Tendai Biti, a source at the regional mining offices said.
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