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400 delegates jet into Zimbabwe for diamond Indaba
03 Nov 2023 at 01:35hrs | Views
Approximately 400 delegates hailing from 59 countries, including Zimbabwe, are set to gather in Victoria Falls next week for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) summit. The focus of these discussions will encompass various aspects, with a significant emphasis on curbing the trade in 'conflict diamonds'.
Zimbabwe took over the KPCS chairmanship for the year 2023 last year. Established in 2003 following the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1459, the KPCS is designed to regulate the trade in rough diamonds, enhancing transparency and eradicating the commerce in conflict diamonds.
Conflict diamonds, often referred to as blood diamonds, are those originating from regions under the control of forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. The revenue generated from these diamonds is used to fund activities that oppose governments or violate Security Council resolutions.
Dr. Polite Kambamura, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, highlighted that the KPCS plenary session, taking place from Monday to the following Sunday, will officially commence with Zimbabwe as the chair for 2023 delivering the opening remarks.
"Expectations are for 59 countries to participate, bringing together around 400 delegates. The agenda will encompass crucial topics, including the definition of 'conflict diamonds,' peer review visits to evaluate compliance, the Kimberley Process Review Reform Cycle, and the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the Kimberley Process," he stated.
The discussions will also touch upon the admission of new members into the KPCS, the resolution of restrictive measures in the Central African Republic, and the scheme's 2023 Communique, to be presented to the United Nations in March next year.
The KPCS is open to countries willing and capable of adhering to its stipulations. It currently consists of 59 participants, representing 85 countries. The European Union and its 27 member states are collectively represented as a single participant through the European Commission. These KPCS members collectively account for nearly 99.8% of global rough diamond production.
In 2022, Zimbabwe garnered approximately 4.2 million carats of diamonds from Chiadzwa, yielding US$220 million. GlobalData Research Centre reports that Zimbabwe ranked as the world's seventh-largest diamond producer in 2022, contributing 3% to global production. The leading global diamond producers include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Zimbabwe, active producers encompass Russian miner Alrosa, RioZim-Murowa, and Chinese company Anjin, all operating in accordance with Zimbabwe's new Diamond Policy.
Zimbabwe took over the KPCS chairmanship for the year 2023 last year. Established in 2003 following the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1459, the KPCS is designed to regulate the trade in rough diamonds, enhancing transparency and eradicating the commerce in conflict diamonds.
Conflict diamonds, often referred to as blood diamonds, are those originating from regions under the control of forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. The revenue generated from these diamonds is used to fund activities that oppose governments or violate Security Council resolutions.
Dr. Polite Kambamura, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, highlighted that the KPCS plenary session, taking place from Monday to the following Sunday, will officially commence with Zimbabwe as the chair for 2023 delivering the opening remarks.
The discussions will also touch upon the admission of new members into the KPCS, the resolution of restrictive measures in the Central African Republic, and the scheme's 2023 Communique, to be presented to the United Nations in March next year.
The KPCS is open to countries willing and capable of adhering to its stipulations. It currently consists of 59 participants, representing 85 countries. The European Union and its 27 member states are collectively represented as a single participant through the European Commission. These KPCS members collectively account for nearly 99.8% of global rough diamond production.
In 2022, Zimbabwe garnered approximately 4.2 million carats of diamonds from Chiadzwa, yielding US$220 million. GlobalData Research Centre reports that Zimbabwe ranked as the world's seventh-largest diamond producer in 2022, contributing 3% to global production. The leading global diamond producers include Russia, Botswana, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Zimbabwe, active producers encompass Russian miner Alrosa, RioZim-Murowa, and Chinese company Anjin, all operating in accordance with Zimbabwe's new Diamond Policy.
Source - The Herald
