The Zimbabwe diamond industry plans on opening  satellite offices in Belgium and the UAE to facilitate the sale of diamonds and diamond mining ops from controversial Marange mines. Representatives from Zimbabwe are currently in talks with officials of the two countries to work out the logistics.

 “We are discussing with Dubai and Antwerp for us to open offices in these countries for the convenience of trading in our diamonds….We would also like to ensure value is added to the gems. It is an encouraging development that will make it easy to polish our diamonds,” said Dr. Obert Mpofu, Zimbabwe’s Mines and Mining Development Minister.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has given the green light to Anjin Mine in Marange to export its diamonds.

“I take note of the final conclusion, which declared Anjin Investments fully compliant on November 17, 2011….Anjin Investments may, therefore, take place with immediate effect,” said Mathieu Yamb, Chair of the Kimberley Process.

Zimbabwe has the potential to satisfy more than 25 percent of the world’s diamond demands. Indian firms rushed to book supplies from Zimbabwe within a week of the KPCS giving the country the green light. According to industry sources, Indian-based importers of rough diamonds are currently in Zimbabwe attempting to secure rough diamonds at current low prices, before December’s wedding season. India’s import of rough diamonds has rose dramatically, by about 30%, from 2010-2011. India houses one of the world’s biggest diamond cutting and polishing centers in Surat, which handles about 70% of the world’s rough mined diamonds.

“[India] processors are keen to get roughs from Marange and any such deal would be welcome,” said Rajiv   Jain, chairman of India’s Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

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