By ZBC Reporter
LARGE scale diamond producing firm Rio Zim has set a target to increase production fivefold by commissioning a massive Greenfield diamond plant by the first quarter of 2023.
The 500 tonne per hour Greenfield diamond plant will replace the current one hundred tonne per hour plant currently being used to process kimberlite diamonds, thus increasing mining operations by eight hundred meters underground.
Valued at US$71 million, the Greenfield diamond plant which is part of the 100 day cycle government projects was awarded national priority project status in view of its potential to contribute to vision 2030.
The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Projects Dr Joram Gumbo, who was at the firm this Thursday, expressed optimism that a 12 billion mining industry is achievable given the magnitude of the Greenfield project.
“We are happy to note that from the Gm ‘s presentation, they are no challenges to write home about. When I heard if a twelve billion mining target I thought it was mere fantasy but what is on the ground points to the attainment of the target,” said the Minister.
The firm’s General Manager, Masimba Nyamhunga praised the second republic for creating an enabling environment for mining to thrive.
“We are enjoying the free rebates in importing our material thanks to the second republic. We believe the project will help increase the lifespan of our mine,” he said.
The local leadership is upbeat better days lie ahead for the community.
The mine has also completed feasibility studies for underground mining to extract kimberlites from an 800 meter depth.
RioZim separated from its parent company, Rio Tinto plc, in 2004 to become a wholly-owned Zimbabwean company. Its subsidiaries include RioGold (Private) Limited, RioZim Base Metals (Private) Limited and RioDiamonds (Private) Limited.
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