Mozambique is taking steps to join the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme designed to prevent trade in conflict diamonds, Radio Mozambique reports.



The report quoted a Natural Resources Ministry official, Obede Matine – the assistant national director for mines – saying that the government, the private sector, and 30 diamond companies who have received permission to prospect for diamonds, have set up a meeting to discuss the Kimberley Process.



Matine said that while Mozambique was not yet a diamond producer, the nation's geology indicated that it could contain diamond deposits.



"We want to prepare ourselves for the entry or exit of diamonds from our country, which have been mined in conflict situations," Matine stated.

The country should be in a position to join the Kimberley Process ahead of any potential diamond production.



Currently, the Kimberley Process has 49 members that represent 75 countries.