Zimbabwe claims new diamond discovery
Monday, October 11th, 2010
New diamond deposits have been discovered in various areas across Zimbabwe, one government official has revealed.
Mines minister Obert Mpofu said the administration is now working to accelerate examination of the sites in order to ascertain the quantity of the precious stones.
According to New Zimbabwe, citing the state-run Sunday Mail newspaper, deposits have been found in Tsholotsho, Binga and Masvingo.
It comes a few years after a find in Manicaland that is estimated to be one of the world's largest diamond resources and the latest discoveries are expected to make the country one of the biggest producers of the precious stones.
Restrictions are currently in place regarding the purchase of rough diamonds from Zimbabwe under the Kimberley Process and the some of the US's biggest diamond dealers recently met with the state department to discuss the issue, with Moshe Mosbacher of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York stating the country is "steadfast" on the matter.
