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(TALKZIMBABWE) Zimbabwe satisfies KP criteria: report

Zimbabwe satisfies KP criteria: report
By: Nancy Pasipanodya
Posted: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 1:50 am

ZIMBABWE has satisfied the minimum Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements to trade in rough diamonds and the KPCS is ready to supervise export arrangements, KPCS monitor Mr Abbey Chikane announced at the weekend.

In a report issued after his second fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe, Mr Chikane said he was impressed by the security arrangements at Chiadzwa that he said were better than those found in some diamond exporting countries in Africa.

Mr Chikane, at his first visit, had expressed concern that the security arrangements ar Chiadzwa were not up to standard. The companies mining at Chiadzwa and government subsequently installed the high quality security systems as per KP recommendation.

"The KP monitor reports that, based on the evidence provided by the Government of Zimbabwe and private investors, and on his first-hand assessment of the situation, Zimbabwe has satisfied minimum requirements of the KPCS for the trade in rough diamonds," read the report.

"In terms of the administrative decision adopted by the Swakopmund Plenary of the KPCS (in Namibia last year), the KP monitor is ready to supervise export arrangements, in close collaboration with the relevant Zimbabwean authorities and other relevant parties.

"The KP monitor is available to visit Zimbabwe to conduct certification under the supervised export mechanism at the invitation of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

"He awaits a notification via electronic mail or fax."

On private security at Chiadzwa — particularly at Mbada Holdings and Canadile Miners — Mr Chikane said it was better than similar operations in some African countries.

He said the Zimbabwe National Army should continue securing the fields.

"The KP monitor can confirm that, in his considered opinion, security at Mbada Diamonds and, to some extent at Canadile Miners, is far better than most similar operations in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and even South Africa.

"Having made this statement, illegal panners will always attempt penetration of the fence, much like in any operation in the world," he said.

Mr Chikane said private security companies operating in Mbada and Canadile’s concessions were "highly reputable" with a "track record that speaks for themselves".

"These companies utilise technology and equipment that is (at) par with that deployed in similar operations in most African countries.

"The challenge, which is unavoidable, is that there will always be attempts by illegal panners to penetrate their properties.

"In the event of such occurrences, these companies do have the necessary electronic security systems to abort the illegal entry into the mining area."

He added: "The immediate de-militarisation of Chiadzwa may present unintended consequences for the Government of Zimbabwe.

"Such consequences include the possibility that illegal diggers would return to the diamond areas.

"Indications are that any form of withdrawal will have to be conducted in a gradual manner.

"Based on this indication, the army may have to remain in Chiadzwa until conditions are conducive for the withdrawal."

He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the ZNA in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and its associated institutions, should produce a de-militarisation integrated project plan to determine the gradual withdrawal of uniformed forces from Chiadzwa.

Mr Chikane recommended that Southern African diamond producing countries be pro-active in providing technical assistance.

"Such assistance could be in the form of artesian mining, diamond valuation, security infrastructure development and many more . . .

"The KP monitor makes an urgent appeal to neighbouring countries to demonstrate commitment to the implementation of the Joint Work Plan," he said.

The West — led by the United States — had been working to try to have Zimbabwe denied KPCS certification for the Chiadzwa diamonds prompting President Mugabe to say Zimbabwe could be forced to leave the KPCS if its enemies continued to frustrate Government efforts to have the diamonds certified.

Government banned the export of diamonds from all claims in Zimbabwe until KP certification is granted.

Labels: ABBEY CHIKANE, BLOOD DIAMONDS, DIAMONDS, KIMBERLEY PROCESS

posted by MrK @ 3:57 PM