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Zimbabwe Ready To Resume Diamond Sales, Mines Minister Says, As Kimberly Team Converges In Harare


Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said he has agreed with Finance Minister Tendai Biti to set up mechanisms to ensure that the entire proceeds of Wednesday’s diamond sale will go straight into Treasury coffers

Zimbabwean Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said Monday that all is set for the country to resume export diamond sales this week with three Kimberly Process teams in the country to see to certification of the stones.

The three teams include a Kimberly review mission, Zimbabwe Kimberly Monitor Abbey Chikane and ministers from a number of African diamond-producing countries.

Mpofu said buyers have been invited to Harare for the sale at which Chikane is expected to certify the diamonds.

Sources said the Kimberly officials met Monday in Harare with government officials, then departed for the Marange diamond field in eastern Manicaland province. The Kimberly officials were also to visit the Forbes Border Post with Mozambique, an alleged exit point for illegally exported diamonds, and speak with local residents as well as officials of Mbada Diamonds and Canadile Mining, firms engaged in joint ventures with the Zimbabwean government.

The teams were also to meet Mpofu, a Cabinet task force on Marange, and local and civic leaders in Marange.

Mpofu told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira he has agreed with Finance Minister Tendai Biti to set up mechanisms to ensure that the entire proceeds of Wednesday’s diamond sale will go straight into Treasury coffers.

Political analyst Charles Mangongera said the sale is likely to generate significant receipts that could have an immediate and positive impact on the country - so long as they are handled properly.

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