Zimbabwe plans to open diamond trading offices in Belgium, UAE

Zimbabwe has stepped up efforts to optimize earnings from mining operations in Marange amid revelations the country is planning to open strategic offices in the United Arab Emirates and Belgium to facilitate the smooth sale of diamonds overseas. According to Sunday Mail, the Zimababwe government representatives are already in talks with emissaries of the two countries to finalize modalities of the proposed move. Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu has confirmed the Belgians and Emiratis approached Harare with the offer earlier this month, saying that the envisaged arrangement was specifically aimed at increasing Zimbabwe's diamond trade. The UAE and Belgium are among the biggest international diamond buyers. "We are discussing with Dubai and Antwerp for us to open offices in these countries for the convenience of trading in our diamonds," he said. "We would also like to ensure value is added to the gems. It is an encouraging development that will make it easy to polish our diamonds." The development comes as Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) monitors for Zimbabwe Mr Abbey Chikane and Mr Mark Van Bockstael gave Anjin Mine in Marange the green light to export its two-million-carat stockpile. This brings to three the number of diamond mining companies operating in the district. Mbada Diamonds and Marange Resources are the other two. In a letter to stakeholders last week, KP chair Mr Mathieu Yamba said: "I would like to commend you (the monitors) on the high quality of the work done.I take note of the final conclusion, which declared Anjin Investments fully compliant on Nov. 17, 2011. Abiding by the Kinshasa Decision, exports from Anjin Investments may, therefore, take place with immediate effect." A plenary session held in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Nov. 1 gave Zimbabwe the green light to export Marange diamonds without further hindrance. Some Western countries had for long fought to block the exports. Zimbabwe stands to earn more than 2 billion U.S. dollars from the three mines annually. The country has potential to satisfy more than 25 percent of global diamond demand.