Zim minister rubbishes claims of dwindling Marange diamond reserves

A Zimbabwe government official has allayed fears of dwindling alluvial diamond reserves in Marange.
The Standard newspaper quoted Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Christopher Mushohwe as saying that were still in ‘abundance’ in the eastern border area.
Mining firms had been saying that the alluvial diamonds were fast running out in Marange.
“I’m not aware that diamonds are running out but what I can confirm is that our diamonds are still there in vast quantities,” said Mushowe.
“Government is restructuring operations in Chiadzwa [Marange] and soon we will add value for the benefit of our people.”
He said government was working tirelessly to restructure operations in Marange to add value and beneficiate diamonds through the economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset).
Zimbabwe’s diamond output fell 14 percent to $538.5 million in value terms last year.
Its volume of production also eased 14 percent to 10.411 million carats from 12 million carats in 2012, while the average price dropped 3 percent to $51.72 per carat.
This drop gave credence to fears of depleting diamond reserves in Marange.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished