Diamonds 'abundant' in Marange, says Govt

The government says there is still abundant yet-to-be exploited diamond reserves in Marange diamond fields and has since compelled all diamond joint venture firms to mine both alluvial and diamond rich stone or conglomerates.

According to information from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, the on-going exploration work shows that the country still has abundant diamond reserves, in particular the conglomerates.

The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Mr Fred Moyo said while mining companies have been concentrating on alluvial diamond mining, the government has since prioritised the simultaneous exploitation of alluvial and kimberlitic diamonds.

Most of the joint venture diamond mining firms operating in Marange have been concentrating on alluvial diamonds given the less capital required to extract the gemstones.

While the government is still to carry out a comprehensive geological survey on the extent of the mineral wealth in Marange, experts say the reserved area is estimated to account for at least 25 percent of the global rough diamond supply.