The second fact finding mission report by Abbey Chikane, Kimberley Process Monitor for the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe, details the list of issues requiring his attention, presents challenges, recommendations and conclusions, and also includes a perspective on the economic ramifications of the diamond industry in Zimbabwe.

Chikane states that the Government of Zimbabwe has demonstrated its commitment to meet the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process. Based on the evidence provided by the Government of Zimbabwe and private investors, and on his firsthand assessment of the situation, Zimbabwe has satisfied minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for the trade in rough diamonds, notes Chikane. In terms of the Administrative Decision adopted by the Swakopmund Plenary of the KPCS, the KP Monitor is ready to supervise export arrangements, in close collaboration with the relevant Zimbabwean authorities and other relevant parties.

Securing the Chiadzwa and Marange Diamond Fields

The first challenge listed in the report, which was sourced from the local Zimbabwean press, refers to securing the Chiadzwa and Marange diamond fields. “The immediate demilitarization of Chiadzwa may present unintended consequences for the Government of Zimbabwe. Such consequences include the possibility that illegal diggers would return to the diamond areas,” warns the report.

“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. This may mean that the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe National Army, in conjunction with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and its associated institutions, will have to produce a demilitarization ‘integrated’ project plan to determine the gradual withdrawal of the army from Chiadzwa,” continues the report.

The Kimberley Process 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. Such support should ensure that illegal mining syndicates are dealt a big blow, explains Chikane. Areas within Chiadzwa that are secured by the army can be re-occupied by the police and other specialized government agencies, and the security infrastructure adjoining and outside the jurisdiction of mining investors could be enhanced, while border patrols along the border with Mozambique will also be improved.

Private Security Companies

The second challenge relates to private security companies operating in concessions occupied by Mbada Diamonds and Canadile. Chikane describes these companies as ‘highly reputable with a track record that speaks for themselves’. While these companies utilize technology and equipment that is on par with that deployed in similar operations in most African countries, the challenge, which is unavoidable explains Chikane, 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 KP Monitor recommends that investors should report any changes in their security infrastructure so that spot-checks can be conducted on an on-going basis by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. In his considered opinion, Chikane confirms that 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 mining operation in the world, notes Chikane.

Zimbabwe Government’s Lack of Capacity

The third challenge listed in the report is the fact that the government of Zimbabwe faces difficulties in managing a number of challenges with regard to capacity to deal with a number of issues. Regarding this, the KP Monitor recommends that Southern African diamond producing countries be proactive in providing technical assistance to Zimbabwe. Such assistance could be in a form of artisanal mining, diamond valuation, security infrastructure development and more. The economic situation in Zimbabwe renders the Government incapable of dealing with some of these challenges.