A Zimbabwean parliamentary committee issued a warning to one of the companies developing the controversial Marange diamond field, saying its directors may face contempt charges if they fail to appear for hearings on the company's mining activities.

According to a Voice of America report, committee members were irked after directors of Mbada Holdings failed to show up for a hearing scheduled by the House Mining Committee on Monday despite the panel's instructions to that effect.

Mbada Chairman Robert Mhlanga later said he had been unable to assemble the board as some members were travelling and others were too busy.

The committee responded by issuing warning letters that say the company's board members could face tough legal consequences if they fail to appear again.

Lawmaker and Mines Committee member Moses Mare said that the House will exercise its powers to force the directors to appear or face arrest for contempt of Parliament.