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(TALKZIMBABWE) AAG hails Zimbabwe diamond certification

AAG hails Zimbabwe diamond certification
By: Nancy Pasipanodya
Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2010 11:24 pm

THE Affirmative Action Group -- the vanguard of the Zimbabwe indigenisation and empowerment policy in Zimbabwe -- has welcomed the recent approval of Zimbabwe by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

The KPCS approved on Thursday gave the greenlight to Zimbabwe to start exporting its diamonds; despite efforts by the US, Australia, Canada and the EU, who opposed Zimbabwe's approval.

In an interview with the Zimbabwe Guardian, the AAG President, Mr Supa Mandiwanzira, said KPCS's certification of Marange diamonds was an affirmation of the country's indigenisation effort.

"This is a victory for the people of Zimbabwe and an affirmation of the country's indigenisation effort," said Mr Mandiwanzira from Harare.

"Sense has prevailed in that body," added Mr Mandiwanzira adding that the approval will "catapult Zimbabwe out of its current (economic) challenges".

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The mining of diamonds in Chiadzwa and their subsequent sale on the international market will represent a direct benefit for the people of Zimbabwe, he added.

"Previousl, Zimbabwe benefited from the mining of diamonds and other precious gems via taxes and royalties.

"This time around, Zimbabweans will benefit directly as they will own 51 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the diamonds."

Mr Mandiwanzira said Zimbabwe was a "trailblazer" and its indigenisation and empowertment model -- carried out through the ZMDC (Zimbabwe Mining and Development Cooperation) -- will be copied elsewhere on the African continent.

"For over thirty years, Zimbabweans have failed to benefit from the mining of precious gems in the country. Why is there opposition for empowerment in diamond mining at Chiadzwa? Companies like Rio Tinto have mined diamonds without any opposition," asked the AAG chief.

When asked to comment about the arrest of businessman and farmer, Mr Temba Mliswa, Mr Mandiwanzira said the AAG will not comment on "issues that are before the courts".

Mr Mliswa is the AAG's Vice-President. He is currently in custody on various allegations of fraud.

Labels: AAG, DIAMONDS, KIMBERLEY PROCESS

posted by MrK @ 3:45 PM