Local civic society to tour Marange diamond field

Government has given the green light to local Civic Society to tour the Marange diamond field this week as part of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements.

Government says it remains committed to the ideals of the Kimberley Process which include transparency and accountability in diamond mining by affording interested key stakeholders the opportunity to familiarise with developments at the diamond mining field.

In an interview ahead of a one-day familiarisation tour by the local Civic Society to Marange diamond field set for this Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Prince Mupazviriho expressed the country's commitment to abide by the ideals of the Kimberley Process and expressed confidence the tour will give the local NGOs an appreciation of the development at the diamond mining fields.

Among some of the non-governmental organisations to tour the diamond mining field include Centre for Research and Development, Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association (ZELA), Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights as well as Crisis Coalition.

Members of the Civic Society have in the past raised allegations about human rights abuse in Marange despite the endorsement by the entire KP family that the country's diamond industry has complied with requirements.

In November last year, the Civic Society within the grouping boycotted the crucial intercessional meeting held in Kinshasa, DRC.

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