Zimbabwe has satisfied the minimum Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requirements for rough diamond trading, All Africa reported.

Kimberley Process' Zimbabwe monitor Abbey Chikane said that as a result of the findings, KPCS is ready to supervise Harare's export arrangements.

In a report issued after his second fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe, Chikane said he was "impressed by the security arrangements at Chiadzwa," which he found better than in some other diamond exporting countries in Africa.

Based on the evidence provided by the Government of Zimbabwe and private investors, and on his first-hand assessment of the situation, Zimbabwe has satisfied minimum requirements of the KPCS for the trade in rough diamonds, said the report.

"In terms of the administrative decision adopted by the Swakopmund Plenary of the KPCS (in Namibia last year), the KP monitor is ready to supervise export arrangements, in close collaboration with the relevant Zimbabwean authorities and other relevant parties.

"The KP monitor is available to visit Zimbabwe to conduct certification under the supervised export mechanism at the invitation of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. He awaits a notification via electronic mail or fax."

On private security at Chiadzwa — particularly at Mbada Holdings and Canadile Miners —Chikane said it was better than similar operations in some African countries.

Chikane's report, noted that the Zimbabwe National Army should continue securing the fields: "The KP monitor can confirm that, in his considered opinion, security at Mbada Diamonds and, to some extent at Canadile Miners, is far better than most similar operations in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and even South Africa.

"Having made this statement, illegal panners will always attempt penetration of the fence, much like in any operation in the world," he said.

Chikane added that private security companies operating in Mbada and Canadile’s concessions were "highly reputable with a "track record that speaks for themselves.

"These companies utilize technology and equipment that is (at) par with that deployed in similar operations in most African countries.

"The challenge, which is unavoidable, is that there will always be attempts by illegal panners to penetrate their properties.

"In the event of such occurrences, these companies do have the necessary electronic security systems to abort the illegal entry into the mining area."

The immediate demilitarization of Chiadzwa may present unintended consequences for the Government of Zimbabwe, added the Kimberley Process monitor.

"Such consequences include the possibility that illegal diggers would return to the diamond areas. Indications are that any form of withdrawal will have to be conducted in a gradual manner.

"Based on this indication, the army may have to remain in Chiadzwa until conditions are conducive for the withdrawal."

"The KP monitor recommends that KP participants be invited to provide financial and technical support to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with a view to capacitate the police and expedite the process of demilitarization.

"Areas within Chiadzwa that are secured by the army can be re-occupied by the police and other specialized Government agencies, the security infrastructure adjoining and outside the jurisdiction of mining investors would be enhanced and border patrols along the border with Mozambique will also be improved," he said.

Chikane further recommended that Southern African diamond producing countries be pro-active in providing technical assistance.

"Such assistance could be in the form of artesian mining, diamond valuation, security infrastructure development and many more…The KP monitor makes an urgent appeal to neighboring countries to demonstrate commitment to the implementation of the Joint Work Plan," he said.

Kimberley Process certification of Zimbabwean diamond trade, he concluded, stemmed from the government's commitment to meeting the minimum requirements of the KP.