Zimbabwe Withdraws Security Agents From Chiadzwa

Posted in News by Admin on November 19th, 2009

Zimbabwe has started withdrawing state security agents deployed to secure the Chiadzwa diamond fields as part of measures undertaken to comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) recommendations. The uniformed and plain-clothed agents were deployed after a diamond rush resulted in widespread smuggling and other illegal activities, as well as unprecedented environmental degradation in the eastern district.
 
The compliance work plan for Chiadzwa has also seen two private investors being engaged to boost diamond output since the area has been identified as key to ongoing economic turnaround. Speaking during a tour of the fields by a high-level government delegation led by deputy prime minister Arthur Mutambara yesterday, mines and mining development minister Obert Mpofu said Zimbabwe had complied with more than 90 percent of the KPCS requirements.
 
“We have done a lot since the last review by the KPCS as part of our efforts to comply with their recommendations, as well as toward achieving and fulfilling compliance,” he said. ”As is evident at these fields [where operations have started], there are no army officers or police details.” 
 
Minister Mpofu said state security personnel would continue being recalled as mining activities expanded across the fields. The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, in partnership with South Africa’s Core Mining and Grandwell Holdings, operating as Canadile Mines and Mbada Investments, respectively, are working at the area. 
  
Dave Kassel, a representative of those mining investors, told the delegation that they had employed 200 private security guards to replace the state agents. The companies also introduced dog patrols to enhance security at the diamond fields.
 
“We are taking control of all areas that we have claimed, but still working with state security agents in areas where we are still exploring. But they will move as soon as we have secured those areas,” he said.
 
Minister Mpofu expressed satisfaction at the way operations were expanding and productivity was rising at the diamond fields since the last KPCS review in July.  

“The area was a bush when the KPCS review team visited, but it has been turned into a very active mining area and the country has started benefiting from the exploitation of diamonds. The government was confident that the Marange diamond fields would drive the nation’s economic turnaround efforts,” Minister Mpofu said. ”Through the exploitation of these diamonds, Zimbabwe will very soon no longer be talked about as a basketcase. I want to urge all investors interested in diamond mining or other mining activities to come to Zimbabwe and work with the government. Investors should not be deterred by the negative statements about Zimbabwe and come and invest in the country.
 
“They should not hesitate to approach my ministry for possible investment engagements, as there is still room for many other investors in Marange and other mining areas in Zimbabwe,” he added.
 
Minister Mpofu paid tribute to the Chiadzwa political and traditional leadership, as well as the people of the area in general, for supporting government efforts to develop diamond mining there.