By Business Reporter – Thursday 5 March 2020
LOCAL – HARARE (Mining Index) – ARTISANAL miners last month reportedly unearthed diamonds in Shurugwi, barely a year after discovery of an even more valuable find, the D colour diamonds in the country’s diamond-rich Chiadzwa fields.
If the latest discovery of these precious gemstones in Shurugwi is confirmed, this becomes the 18th diamond pipe in Zimbabwe.
‘The makorokoza (artisanal miners) found diamonds in Shurugwi last month. Due to the sensitivity of diamonds, government has kept this discovery under the carpet,’ said a source who requested anonymity.
Another executive in the mining industry confirmed the reports saying, ‘I heard the rumour, but nothing official.’
Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando had not yet responded to questions sent to him at the time of publishing. Mining Index will however give an update once an official comment is received from his office.
The latest find provides a remarkable indication of the potential of the mineral resources in the area.
On Zimbabwe’s geographical map, Shurugwi is within proximity to Murowa Diamonds in Zvishavane owned by RioZim, Nyika pipes under Russian influence and Nyashanu pipes allocated to the Chinese.
Five of the diamond pipes are wholly owned by the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), namely Marange, Chiadzwa, Chimanimani, River Ranch in Beitbridge and Chihota pipes near Harare.
Diamond pipes that fall under asset joint ventures include Save pipes in Masvingo, Mwenezi in the Lowveld, Ngulube in Matebeleland South, and Katete pipes in Binga.
The Nyashanu pipes in Manicaland and Mbizi pipes in Triangle fall under the Chinese.
Juliasdale pipes in Nyanga, Triangle pipes in the Lowveld, Nyika pipes in Masvingo and Wanezi pipes in Matebeleland South fall under Russia.
The Beitbridge pipe has been split between the two foreign companies, Russia and China. ENDS// www.miningindex.co.zw
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