Mines minister, Winstone Chitando has cleared the air on reports of intrusion in the Chiadzwa diamond mining fields saying the yet to be identified culprits only got into the portal A mining area where tailings from the dump are heaped.
In a statement yesterday, Chitando said investigations were already underway to unmask the intruders identity as well as the extend of loss from their actions.
“On 19th January there was an intrusion of unidentified people who entered into the Portal A Mining area of Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company. They took with then some tailings from dumps. For the record tailings are the residue of ore which would have been processed to extract diamonds and for which there is no value attached,” he said.
Chitando added that the intruders did not extend beyond not get to the area which contains ores and processed material as the surveillance measures alerted security personnel manning the place of intrusion.
He added that the intrusion is an isolated case that must not be viewed as a threat to diamond operations in Chiadzwa.
“This was an isolated incident which is being investigated by the Police and which should not be views as a threat to diamond operations in Chiadzwa,” said Chitando.
Until investigations by the Police are concluded there is no basis to speculate on the identity of the intruders and any speculation on such identity is pre-mature.
He assured the nation that security at the diamond fields in Chiadzwa and Marange fully meets the Kimberly Process Certification System requirements adding that regular reviews are carried out to prevent any breaches.
“The security of our diamonds fields is of the highest standards which fully meet Kimberly Process Certification Systems requirements and which we cause to review regularly to prevent any breaches,” said Chitando.
