The Zimbabwe government has granted a mining license to Global Diamond Trekkers to explore for the gems in the Middle Sabi area of Manicaland province, about 100 km south east of the Chiadzwa (Marange) deposits.



Global Diamond Trekkers has engaged a consultancy firm to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project, according to a report in The Herald newspaper. The company will carry out exploration to determine the extent of the resources.



That will allow the firm to select the best mining methods and processing technology and equipment.



There are five mining firms operating in Marange which produced output of around eight million carats last year and approximately $700 million in exports, according to the report.