Zimbabwe's government has, with immediate effect, banned the all diamond exports from all operational mines, pending a Kimberley Process Certification Scheme decision on the sale of diamonds from the Chiadzwa diamond fields.According to All Africa, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu said that River Ranch and the Rio Tinto-owned Murowa Diamonds – the only two companies currently mining and exporting diamonds – have been notified.

"I have suspended all diamond exports from Zimbabwe with immediate effect until the issue of the KPCS has been sorted out. That means Murowa and River Ranch are also affected," Minister Mpofu said.

Mpofu added that the decision was in accordance with World Trade Organization rules on non-discrimination in trade because the KPCS was yet to issue export clearance to other mining houses - Canadile Miners and Mbada Holdings.

Canadile and Mbada are the only two companies that have been licensed to exploit Chiadzwa resources.

"The issue is about Zimbabwe diamonds but there seems to be a belief among our detractors that in Zimbabwe there are some diamonds which are pure or more acceptable to them than others. We cannot continue as Government to facilitate that kind of misguided approach to our diamonds by our detractors," Mpofu said.

"As Government we view Zimbabwean diamonds as Zimbabwean diamonds regardless of where they are mined. We have a clear distinction where certain diamonds can be viewed as acceptable while others are not; can such a situation be allowed to continue?"

KPCS monitor for Zimbabwe Abbey Chikane is currently in Zimbabwe, for a compliance review.

"He gave us an update on his second mission and as Government we are convinced that this time around a conclusive outcome will be realized from his visit to allow Zimbabwe to sell its diamonds.

"We are also aware that our enemies are working day and night to try and divert his attention on issues that require professionalism, but Zimbabwe as a law-abiding country is anxious for the positive outcome as there is no doubt about our full compliance to KPCS," Mpofu said.