Zimbabwean Mines Minister Obert Mpofu declared that London-based mining firm African Consolidated Resources (ACR), which holds the now-disputed title to mine the controversial Chiadzwa diamond field, is to blame for the country's diamond crisis.

According to All Africa, Mpofu, speaking just prior to testifying before a parliamentary committee investigating operations in the Chiadzwa and Marange diamond fields, said that African Consolidated Resources (ACR) will never mine diamonds at Chiadzwa as long as he is in charge of the ministry. Mpofu said ACR head, Andrew Cranswick should be "punished" for foiling Mpofu's attempts to sell the diamonds at a recent auction.

"That man will never mine in this country as long as I am minister. Cranswick, only one man, has caused all the chaos. That one white man does not even employ, his company is listed in Britain yet he holds Zimbabwe to ransom," said Mpofu.

ACR was forced to abandon the Chiadzwa claim at gunpoint in 2006, and has since been fighting a protracted legal battle over the ownership rights.