2nd Zimbabwe Diamond Conference to discuss importance of mining to Zimbabwe’s economy

The Conference is being organised on the theme 'Completing Zimbabwe’s Diamond Potential for the Future'
2nd Zimbabwe Diamond Conference to discuss importance of mining to Zimbabwe’s economy

A discussion on the important contribution of mining towards the economies and societies of South Africa and Zimbabwe and the need to responsibly manage resources, is going to be taken up by South Africa's Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Ngoako Ramatlhodi, at the Second Zimbabwe Diamond Conference. Mr Ramatlhodi will be a keynote speaker along with mining ministers from other African diamond-producing states and global diamond industry leaders.

In his letter of acceptance to the invitation to speak at the conference, Mr Ramatlhodi said: "Both South Africa and Zimbabwe are richly endowed with not only diamonds, but also other mineral and metal resources. It is my considered view that the immense contribution of mining to our respective economies and societies needs to be acknowledged. Mining brings employment, government revenues and opportunities for growth and diversification.

He further noted that, "Our government's position is that it is necessary to implement a sustainable development policy approach to the development and implementation of mining and mineral policies which takes into account economic, social and environmental considerations. Thus we need to enhance the mutual economic and social progress that is derived from the responsible management of mineral resources." He would also share South Africa's experience in the development of the global diamond industry, at the Conference.

The theme for the conference has been conceived as 'Completing Zimbabwe’s Diamond Potential for the Future'. This Conference is slated next month between 6-7 and is organized by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, in the capital, Harare.

The Second Zimbabwe Diamond Conference will present the progress made by the country's diamond industry following its admission as a member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2011. The importance to the global diamond industry of the developing Zimbabwe diamond trade is shown by the planned attendance of leading African mines ministers and diamond industry leaders who will take part.

"Mr Ramatlhodi's letter shows the depth of knowledge and experience that our speakers will be bringing to this very important conference," said Prof. Francis Gudyanga, Permanent Secretary at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. "How we can introduce modern exploration techniques for the benefit of our people is a major issue that we want to discuss. Major mining companies will see that Zimbabwe’s diamond potential is huge, and working with us can be beneficial to them as well as to our government in bringing about national development," Gudyanga added.

Three panel discussions on issues about Zimbabwe's diamond mining industry and exports, beneficiation of the country's diamonds, and responsible mineral supply chains and the Kimberley Process, will be part of the Conference agenda.

Registration for the conference has begun.


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