by CLEMENCE MANYUKWE
Diamond panners at Chiadzwa. PHOTO/Zim Daily
Chinese have struck riches in Chiadzwa after partnering government in mining gems from the controversial diamond fields.
According to figures provided to Parliament last week by the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Gift Chimanikire, Anjin Investments (Private) Limited extracts an average of 234 749, 92 carats per month, compared to Mbada Diamonds’ 164 489,18 carats per month.
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The hard-work displayed by the Chinese appears to be motivated by the fact that a US$98 million loan extended to the government by a Chinese bank for the construction of a military college in Mazowe, would be serviced from proceeds from this particular diamond mining venture.
In his Parliamentary submission, Chimanikire said Anjin has stockpiles of diamonds because, unlike the other diamond mining firms in Marange, the company is yet to secure the Kimberley Process’ authority to sell the gems.
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