Zimbabwe Sold Rough Diamonds To Indians For Training Centre

The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Obert Mpofu, actually signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of India to sell them local rough diamonds in exchange for a training centre to be built by the Indians in Harare.

The Indians were also to train Zimbabweans on diamond cutting and polishing.

Mpofu went to India in October and cut the lucrative deal for the Indians. The deal was struck by an Indian firm known as Surat Rough Diamond Sourcing India Limited. In terms of the agreement Indian’s Surat would establish a diamond training academy in Harare which would train young workers on diamond cutting and polishing.

In exchange Zimbabwe would supply rough diamonds to the Indian firm.

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has already confirmed that Zimbabwe has about 16.5 million tonnes of diamonds hidden in such areas as Chiadzwa, Murowa and the controversial River Ranch Farm where former army commander, General Solomon Mujuru has much influence.

Last year more than 1 200 000 carats of diamonds were mined but disappeared in Zimbabwe.