A South African mining company is set to invest more than $100-million in diamond-mining projects in Zimbabwe over the next three years, it was reported on Friday.
The investment will be carried out through Better Mining, the local subsidiary of African Pearl Mining, the official Herald newspaper said.
”We intend to invest over $100-million into minerals production and beneficiation in the country,” said Chishi Mashile, a company director.
”This is part of our mission to eradicate poverty in Africa through broad-based black empowerment-driven investment in African minerals and natural resources,” he told the Herald.
Better Mining has just donated a Z$1-million (US$4 000) towards celebrations for President Robert Mugabe’s 83rd birthday next week, the paper added.
Proposed mines for investment have been earmarked in Zimbabwe’s remote eastern Buhera and Marange districts, where the discovery of diamonds last year sparked a huge diamond rush and massive environmental damage.
Police have since cracked down on illegal diamond and gold diggers and dealers throughout the country, arresting more than 28 000 in an operation codenamed Chikorokoza Chapera, or No More Illegal Panning.
Suspected illegal miners have complained that police and top politicians are involved in the illegal deals. — Sapa-dpa