News / Regional
Minister Mpofu believes in Beitbridge Diamonds
23 Nov 2011 at 07:29hrs | Views
THE Minister of Mines and Mining Development - Obert Mpofu - has said there is a big possibility that that there are diamond deposits in Ponongoma in the small border town of Beitbridge.
The diamonds were reportedly discovered by a Harare prospector identified as Rasim Kassim last month.
Officials from the Environment Management Agency (EMA) also visited the "mine" to make an assessment on Monday this week.
Digging has been taking place at the place believed to be a grave of the Zezane family which was buried there about 60 years ago, a villager said.
"I would not be surprised if we find diamonds there.
"The possibility is high because Zimbabwe is a country that is rich with mineral resources.
"We will be sending geological surveyors to the scene this week to determine if the diamonds exist," said Minister Mpofu.
A villager said he has warned his children against digging the grave as that will be detrimental to them.
"Diamond or no diamond bad things will happen to anyone who removes even a single grain of soil from that place.
"It is also the place were elders carry out traditional rits that keep peace in the area.
"I have ordered my sons to keep away from the place," said Sibongile Moyo to the Chronicle newspaper.
Minister Mpofu said, if diamonds are found, the surrounding community would be the first to benefit under the Government's Community Share Ownership / Trust (CSOS/T).
Zimbabwe is now ranked seventh top world diamond producer after the discovery of the gems in Manicaland province at Marange diamond fields.
The diamonds were reportedly discovered by a Harare prospector identified as Rasim Kassim last month.
Officials from the Environment Management Agency (EMA) also visited the "mine" to make an assessment on Monday this week.
Digging has been taking place at the place believed to be a grave of the Zezane family which was buried there about 60 years ago, a villager said.
"I would not be surprised if we find diamonds there.
"The possibility is high because Zimbabwe is a country that is rich with mineral resources.
"We will be sending geological surveyors to the scene this week to determine if the diamonds exist," said Minister Mpofu.
A villager said he has warned his children against digging the grave as that will be detrimental to them.
"Diamond or no diamond bad things will happen to anyone who removes even a single grain of soil from that place.
"It is also the place were elders carry out traditional rits that keep peace in the area.
"I have ordered my sons to keep away from the place," said Sibongile Moyo to the Chronicle newspaper.
Minister Mpofu said, if diamonds are found, the surrounding community would be the first to benefit under the Government's Community Share Ownership / Trust (CSOS/T).
Zimbabwe is now ranked seventh top world diamond producer after the discovery of the gems in Manicaland province at Marange diamond fields.
Source - Byo24News
