According to Eye Witness News, South African firms mining in the eastern Chiadzwa diamond fields have been ordered by Zimbabwean authorities to cease operations reportedly due to the fact that the firms did not receive clearance from the Environment Management Authority (EMA), before commencing activities.

The two already controversial diamond mining companies; Canadile Miners and Mbada Diamond Mining, were granted a huge contract by the Zimbabwe Government. The EMA has now taken over saying that Mbada Diamond Mining did not carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment Report before mining began.

Both companies have been ordered to cease all diamond mining activities until the assessment is completed and approved, which could take months.

The work cessation order comes as a blow to both diamond companies and presents a potentially huge loss of revenue for the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation.