Diamond deposits found in Tsholotsho

Diamond deposits found in Tsholotsho

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWEAN authorities have kept a tight lid on the discovery of diamonds in the south-western Tsholotsho district to avert a rush by hungry villagers, documents seen on Wednesday confirm.

Late last year, diamond deposits were discovered in Marange district, Manicaland Province, sparking a rush which saw the police arrest over 20 000 fortune hunters.

A confidential letter, written by Titus Nyatanga, the Director of Mining Promotion and Development in the Ministry of Mines to the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) said diamonds were discovered last year in Tsholotsho.

The MMCZ has the sole authority to market and sell diamonds from the country.

“Diamonds deposits were reported to be present in the Tsholotsho area of Matabeleland North Province. Already, Canister Resources Private Holdings holds an Exploration Prospecting Order (EPO) in the area. Not much information is known,” he said in the letter seen by New Zimbabwe.com.

Canister Holdings is owned by Zimbabwean citizen Nick Graham.

Nyatanga added that the area where the diamond deposits are located has been declared a “protected zone” by the government to curb illegal activities.

He added: “The Ministry is requesting the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) to offer protection of the areas and facilitate investment opportunities by local and foreign organisations for diamond exploration.”

Tsholotsho is in Matabeleland South and close to the border with Botswana, the world's leading producer of gem quality diamonds. The diamond industry accounts for 70% of export earnings and 30% of Botswana's GDP.

Professor Jonathan Moyo is MP for Tsholotsho, which is about 120km north-west of Bulawayo, the second largest city.
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