Diamond miner Anjin Investments is yet to sell its gems due to continued interference by Western countries, Manicaland Governor and Resident Minister Christopher Mushohwe said at the weekend ending on October 2, according to Zimbabwe’s Herald Online.
Anjin, a joint venture company between AFECC of China and the Zimbabwe National Army, is one of the companies licensed to mine diamonds in Chiadzwa.
It has already stockpiled over one million carats but is unable to export because them is yet to be certified by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
"Anjin has not been able to sell because of the continued abuse of the KP by some Western countries," said Governor Mushohwe at a function in Odzi district where Anjin offered free medical treatment and food to about 300 families who were resettled from Chiadzwa.
"This is absolutely ridiculous."
According to reports, Anjin vice-chairperson Mr Zhou Changhan said his company had met KP minimum requirements on the diamond trade.
"It is very evident that we now comply with Kimberley Process requirements. In fact, we are a step ahead. All the procedures comply with KP requirements," Mr Zhou was quoted as saying.
He said Anjin had engaged Global Diamond Valuators of Namibia (GDV) to offer advice on satisfying the KP requirements.
KP had only allowed Mbada Diamonds and Marange Resources to sell their rough diamonds, also known as unpolished diamonds, from Chiadzwa.
Governor Mushohwe hailed Anjin for fulfilling corporate social responsibility by ensuring the relocated families have access to basic social services.
Anjin has already invested over US$300 million at its open-cast mine and development of infrastructure in the area where families were relocated.
More than 400 homes, comprising a four-bedroom house, Blair toilet and thatched hut have been built. The company has also built a clinic, a primary and a secondary school.
These facilities are now ready for inspection by relevant authorities before commissioning.
On the cards is the development of an irrigation scheme.
In the meantime, the relocated families will continue receiving food handouts on a three-month basis until they harvest their crops.
"This is a clear testimony of investors committed to undertake corporate social responsibility," said Governor Mushohwe while urging Anjin to expedite relocation of the remaining families before the rainy season.
Anjin general manager Mr Lee hailed the economic relations between Harare and Beijing while pledging that his company would continue assisting resettled families.
He said formal links between China and Zimbabwe started in the 1960s when the country was fighting British colonial rule.
After the attainment of independence in 1980, China's involvement in Zimbabwe has been increasingly directed towards broader macro-economic objectives.
