Tsvangirai finally cleared to visit Marange diamond fields

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has finally been granted permission to visit the controversial Marange diamond mining area.

Tsvangirai is expected to make the trip this Thursday,  Mines and Mining Development  official confirmed on Sunday.

Mid last year, Tsvangirai was barred from setting foot in the rich diamond mining area as "he did not seek permission from relevant officials."

"In December, Tsvangirai made a formal request to tour the diamond fields early this year… so as the ministry we have seen given him the go ahead for this Thursday," said the official.

Since the inception of the inclusive government, Tsvangirai's attempts to tour the diamond rich fields and get first-hand information on operations there, have hit a brickwall.

President Robert Mugabe has toured the area before.

MDC-T has complained about the way the diamond revenues are handled saying Zanu PF officials and the military were benefiting from the gems at the expense of the nation.

There have been persistent reports that Zanu PF officials are involved in the smuggling of diamonds in the area and alleged human rights violations.

Last year Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu said the country expects to earn in excess of $2 billion in gross revenue
annually.

Zimbabwe is ranked as the 7th biggest diamond producing nation in the world.