By ZBC Reporter
THE diamond mining industry is confident of contributing at least one billion US Dollars to the mining industry by 2023 with exploration work by ALROSA-ZIM Limited yielding some positive results.
Following the signing of a joint venture agreement between the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Mining Company (ZCDC) and Russia’s ALROSA to develop diamond fields in the country, exploration work is now in full swing.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando visited one of the projects in Malipate, Beitbridge this Tuesday.
“The first process here was prospecting to get the early indicators and then aeromagnetic survey was also conducted. On the basis of that, they are now looking at defining the resource at a late exploration programme. A washing plant is being put up early next year, as part of the whole programme to make the place fully functional,” he said.
Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Mining Company (ZCDC) Chairperson, Wellington Pasipamire expressed confidence that the diamond industry will contribute one billion United States dollars towards the mining sector’s 12 billion target by 2023.
“We are confident that as ZCDC, in partnership with ALROSA that it is possible to achieve the 10million caret target and remember we are not only looking at this project alone. We are focusing on 40 special grants in the totality of the ALROSA Project. I think we are headed for victory if I might put it that way,” he said.
Early indications of the exploration work show that Malipate has type two diamonds which are a rare gem, with a high market value.
The development of diamond mines in Malipate and Maitengwe is set to transform Matabeleland South’s Provincial economy in line with the devolution agenda.
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