At least 3 000 people have joined a new rush for emeralds in eastern Zimbabwe, a few months after diamonds were discovered in the area, it was reported on Friday.
In July, villagers in impoverished Marange district discovered diamonds and sparked a massive diamond rush, which brought untold wealth to dozens of previously poor households.
Now suspected emerald fields are have been found at three sites in Buhera district Chishanyi, Svongwa and Jori and at least 3 000 people have joined the latest rush, reports the state-controlled Manica Post newspaper.
Police are battling to stop rampant smuggling of diamonds and other precious gems, though there are suspicions some of the so-called emeralds may be less valuable amethyst or quartz.
In November police launched Operation Chikorokoza Chapera (No Illegal Panning). So far, more than 19 000 people have been arrested for illegal mining and smuggling.
Security has been intensified and arrests have surged. Fifty people, among them dealers and illegal panners, were also arrested in the Chiadzwa district (diamond) mining area on Wednesday, police spokesperson Obert Benge told the paper.
”They are just digging and damaging the environment in search of diamonds and emeralds. The people are mining everywhere and we are arresting and charging them with land degradation,” Benge said.
Local chiefs say the minerals are a gift to them from their ancestors, meant to cushion them from Zimbabwe’s deepening economic crisis.
With spiralling poverty and inflation of more than 1 000%, many desperate Zimbabweans have joined the frenzied search for precious minerals to sell on the lucrative foreign market. — Sapa-dpa