President Mugabe Defends Mbada Diamonds, Canadile Contracts
by Admin on March 8th, 2010
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe defended diamond mining contracts the country’s government holds with Mbada Diamonds and Canadile Miners, according to ZimOnline. Mugabe added that the government is ready to begin selling diamonds now that a Kimberley Process (KP) monitor has been appointed to monitor their sales and distribution.
“There are two million carats now from Chiadzwa. We hope we can start selling and we hope that the yield will be invested and also assist us in raising the standards of living our people,” the president told journalists.
ZimOnline quoted Mugabe as saying, “Initially, we wanted ZMDC [Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation] to go into the area and start doing some mining and tell us what is there. We had a list of companies applying. Finally two of them, Mbada and Canadile, were chosen. They were recommended and I was shown the papers and their proposals. The ministry then decided that for now they were preferable to the rest. We said fine. They are the ones who are there now.”
The president added that some problems have come to his attention. For instance, he said that he was “dismayed” by press reports alleging that two senior officials of Canadile had been arrested.
“Diamonds are always an attraction — I don’t know of anyone who will not be tempted,” he was quoted as stating.
ZimOnline added that Mugabe also attempted to deny that African Consolidated Resources (ACR) had any legitimate claim on the Chiadzwa diamonds. ACR is currently locked in a contentious court battle with the government regarding these claims.
The United Nations Ready for Cote d’Ivoire’s Presidential Election
by Admin on March 5th, 2010
The United Nations mission in Côte d’Ivoire continues to monitor efforts underway as the nation plans its presidential election. The long-awaited polls have been postponed numerous times since 2005, with the dissolution of the country’s government sparking political chaos and street protests. There are a still number of tasks remaining before Cote d’Ivoire can resume its election plans, according to Hamadoun Toure, a spokesperson for UNOCI.
Toure said that the first task was to resume the appeals process on voter registration.
“The achievement of this operation will lead to the second crucial stage, which is the production of the definitive electoral list,” he noted. This step will be followed by the production and distribution of identity and voters’ cards.
The presidential polls are expected to end years of instability created by the civil war that divided the country into a rebel-held north and a government-controlled south in 2002. Rough diamond exports are currently banned from Cote d’Ivoire and only after a free and fair presidential election is held will the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) review its diamond ban on the country.
Kimberley Process Appoints Chikane to Monitor Marange Diamonds
by Admin on March 3rd, 2010
The Kimberley Process (KP) has appointed Abbey Chikane as its Zimbabwe monitor, the organization’s chairman, Boaz Hirsch, said in a statement released late Monday.
“Mr. Chikane, a founder chairman of the Kimberley Process, is visiting Zimbabwe these days — March 1 to March 3, 2010 — on a fact-finding mission to assess the situation and to prepare for monitoring the implementation of the joint working plan (JWP),” Hirsch said.
At its plenary in November, the KP agreed to implement a 12-step work program to bring Zimbabwe into compliance with the KP Certification Scheme (KPCS). Under the plan, Zimbabwe agreed to withhold any exports of diamonds from Marange until they were approved by the monitor.
“The KP monitor’s role is to liaise with the government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, as represented by the Ministry of Mines, in order to assess implementation of the JWP and report regularly to the Kimberley Process on implementation of the work plan,” Hirsch said. “The KP monitor will also play a key role with regard to the mechanism for the supervision of exports of Marange diamonds in compliance with KP minimum requirements.”
Hirsch explained that in order for Chikane to fulfill his mission, the Zimbabwe government has committed to ensure “full and unhindered access” to all relevant diamond production and processing sites, as well as to all relevant stakeholders from mining to exports, including representatives of government, industry and civil society.
Chikane’s appointment comes amidst increased controversy at the Marange mine, including charges of corruption surrounding contracts given to two South African firms to operate the mine. Furthermore, Mines Minister Obert Mpofu reportedly said this past weekend that Zimbabwe will sell the Marange diamonds outside the KP if the organization rules that its efforts to comply with its standards are inadequate.
“If the KP is unsatisfied with our efforts and wants to be difficult, saying that we have failed to comply with their requirements…we will not lose sleep, but rather, we will just pull out and not lose anything,” Mpofu said while addressing the Bulawayo Press Club on Friday evening, according to the BBC.
“The KP does not own the diamond trade markets. Zimbabwe will pull out of the KP and sell its diamonds to those markets,” he continued.
His comments echo similar sentiments expressed by President Robert Mugabe a few weeks ago.
Chikane previously served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of South Africa’s State Diamond Trader (SDT), but stepped down after his one-year term expired in September 2008.
Izhakoff Calls for Immediate Action for the Crimes Commited in the Marange Fields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
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In a keynote speech delivered at the 2010 CIBJO Congress in Munich, Germany, Eli Izhakoff, the chairman of the World Diamond Council (WDC), urged decisive action to end the intolerable situation in the Marange diamond fields of Zimbabwe. Izhakoff said that the Kimberley Process (KP) remains the best vehicle to combat those carrying out criminal acts in the region. The following is the full text of his address:
It is my honor to join you once again at this important meeting of the international gem and jewelry industry. Our industry is facing difficult times. They call for extraordinary measures to maintain and grow the business we all love and the industry that brings economic development and employment to so many people worldwide.
My subject today is the particular challenge faced by the diamond producing industry by the production of diamonds in the Marange region of Zimbabwe, and in particular the way in which this is being addressed by the KP.
We are all too familiar with the horrific reports that have come out of Zimbabwe pertaining to the conditions of the population in the Marange diamond fields. The allegations of murder, rape, assaults and human abuse in communities which live alongside these diamond fields are appalling.
The world’s diamond and jewelry community cannot stand idly by when these allegations are made. The affected population are members of our own family. We must act to protect their interests.
That is why the WDC committed to the KP from the beginning. The KP was and still is the best chance we have to ensure that those who benefit from trade in rough diamonds are people who act ethically, legitimately and within the bounds of civilized society. The system developed by the KP and the WDC’s System of Warranties create the conditions that are necessary if we are to expose those who act outside the legitimate stream of commerce.
Those people who are committing atrocities in Marange are being exposed to the world as criminals by the members of the KP — which includes civil society, governments and our industry.
Despite our frustration over the pace of the decision-making process, the KP is taking action to shine a bright light on the allegedly criminal activities and provide a basis on which international institutions can act to stop the violence, to prosecute those accused of illegal acts and to develop Marange as a diamond resource that works for the benefit of the local community.
A KP monitor has been appointed. He will visit Zimbabwe every month with broad authority to examine every aspect of KP compliance in the region and will be required to report to the KP about the current conditions in Marange. A detailed joint work plan was developed by the KP, which requires Zimbabwe to take proactive steps to end the criminal acts in Marange, and to bring this diamond producing area into the 21st century for the benefit of its citizens.
There is no other international institution doing more to address the situation in Marange, but this is not enough.
KP and WDC cannot meet its goals in Zimbabwe without strong support. We need to work with both government and civil society to ensure that everyone in Marange is safe, that diamond production helps the largest possible number of local citizens and that criminals are brought to justice. Only then can the future of Zimbabwe’s entire diamond industry be ensured as a vehicle that works for the benefit of all the citizens of Zimbabwe. This is why the WDC has committed so much of its resources to this challenge.
This is what we believe needs to be done in order to improve the KP’s system of operation. I would note that we have being saying these things for a long time already, but I will reiterate them once again.
• The KP system needs improving and the WDC has been engaged in reviewing and upgrading the system from the very beginning. The WDC has called upon the KP to have a professional team to ensure efficient administration.
• We also have called on the KP to change its system of voting, so that one participant cannot block progress for undisclosed reasons.
• We have called upon the KP to reform its rules on the publication of internal reports, noting that there ought to be full transparency of all the actions and conclusions reached by the KP.
• We have repeatedly urged governments to act to strengthen their level of oversight and compliance with KP requirements, so that illegal smugglers will be exposed and then prosecuted by the authorities.
The WDC, along with International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and other organizations, have called upon their members to refrain from dealing in diamonds from Marange. Here at CIBJO, we call upon members of national associations to report to the appropriate authorities those diamond dealers who are known to be trading in these diamonds.
The WDC is participating in a project within the KP to improve communications and information-gathering for the purpose of improving law enforcement and apprehending criminals who violate existing laws that prevent smuggling.
The KP is our best possible tool to engage on these issues in an effective and efficient manner, and WDC is committed to continuing the engagement. We will not stop until all the challenges are met and the millions who are gainfully employed in diamond production today can continue to be assured of their place in the industry.
I cannot state this more strongly. To trade in diamonds from Marange today is, in effect, the same as supporting acts of violence against civilian populations. Such a situation cannot be tolerated by people of good will and ethical purpose.
Our product is pure, as are the intentions of the people who bring our product to the public. Consumers must trust our industry, and it is the maintenance of this trust that is the main goal of the WDC. We will continue to work hard to earn that trust as we go forward in this very complicated and challenging 21st century.
6,225 carat emerald discovered from Zamdian Gemfields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
Gemfields PLC, the company which operates the mine, announced Monday that the emerald is being examined to obtain a clearer understanding of its value and significance
The emerald, which was recovered on February 5th, has been named “Insofu,” which means “elephant” in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region where the stone was mined.
“This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful color and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich color and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size,” said Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle.
6,225 carat emerald discovered from Zamdian Gemfields
by Admin on February 26th, 2010
Gemfields PLC, the company which operates the mine, announced Monday that the emerald is being examined to obtain a clearer understanding of its value and significance
The emerald, which was recovered on February 5th, has been named “Insofu,” which means “elephant” in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region where the stone was mined.
“This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful color and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich color and fine protective biotite shell makes it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size,” said Gemfields CEO Ian Harebottle.
Featured Blogger Iva Messy: Dreams of Africa Jewelry
by Admin on February 18th, 2010
Recently a great blogger Iva Messy decided to feature our charity line Dreams of Africa on her blog. She has an amazing insight an love for writing an I recommend to go check out her blog for a good read! Here is a recap of what she has to say about our efforts!
“Dreams of Africa was set up by Whiteflash as a way of helping the African victims of ‘blood diamonds’. With the introduction of the Awear range of jewelry for kids, young people can show the world that Love and Hope is alive and well. Worn near the heart, the pendant will touch the hearts of all who share our dreams of Africa. Whiteflash commissioned the design of this pendant to give expression to the desire to help heal the broken lives of the victims of blood diamonds. The sparkling conflict-free diamonds symbolize innocence, the sapphires stand for truth. The center stone is mother Africa and the spirals portray awareness as it spreads out to the world we all share.”
I try to always be exceptionally contentious of all my purchases. Actively trying to always be part of the change.
The Kimberley Process, is to be greatly applauded as the ‘blood diamond’ trade has been reduced by 95%, still areas of conflict remain.
We want to applaud Iva for helping raise the issue of conflict free diamonds to the blogosphere! Thank you!
Zimbabwe Supreme Court Demands Government Cease Mining at Marange
by Admin on February 18th, 2010
Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court has ordered two government mining firms to stop operations on the diamond fields in the country’s controversial Marange region, the AFP reported Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku told the state-run Herald that two government-back corporations “must cease all mining activities.”
The British-based African Consolidated Resources (ACR) has fought for ownership of the field with the government-backed Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Minerals Marketing Corporation since 2006.
Most recently, the Court ordered that the Zimbabwe’s central bank keep 129,400 carats of diamonds, seized from ACR in 2007, until it makes a final decision on the case.
ACR’s mining rights to the Marange fields were suspended in 2006, making the area the sight of numerous human rights abuses as illegal smugglers, government forces and other parties have clashed over the land.
“Greening Up” Your Engagement Ring
by Admin on February 12th, 2010
The key thing to remember when making an eco-friendly marriage proposal is not to lose sight of the basics. Bear in mind what it is that you’ll be giving her: a diamond engagement ring. As she is probably aware, not all engagement rings are created equally green. Many diamonds are mined in ways that harm the environment or that lead to violence and human rights abuses. These diamonds have been dubbed conflict diamonds sometimes also referred to as blood diamonds.
Jewelers can now provide Kimberley certificates as proof of a “clean” diamond which they can declare as conflict free.
The Kimberly Process – created in 2003– is a voluntary, self-regulated system that established standards for certifying diamonds. A diamond with a Kimberly certificate guarantees that sales of that diamond did not go to finance a civil war.
You can also feel good in knowing that 100% of Whiteflash’s Dreams of Africa collection profits go to communities impacted by the jewelry trade (WCCCI).
Some initial questions to ask a jeweler regarding conflict diamonds are:
What are your company’s conflict diamond policies?
What is your company’s definition of conflict free jewelry?
Can you provide official certification from an established grading lab?
Where do you source your diamonds from?
Make sure your diamonds and gemstones are certified to originate from socially and environmentally-responsible sources. Just because you’ve selected the perfect conflict free diamond ring (that she’s been hinting about) does not guarantee that your marriage proposal will be entirely green. So just remember: Green marriage proposals begin with the ring, but that’s not all. An eco-friendly marriage proposal requires a little bit of forethought. Good luck!
Further Twists in the Fate of the Marange Diamonds
by Admin on February 11th, 2010
The fate of a large stock of diamonds is shrouded in mystery, as a Zimbabwe minister defied a court order late last week and confiscated rough diamonds that later disappeared and still remain missing as of press time. Some may argue that any twist and turn is possible in the corrupt and mismanaged African country. However, the story of these diamonds has continued to surprise many as the subject of constant media and diamond-industry attention.
Mined in Zimbabwe’s Marange area by African Consolidated Resources (ACR), the rough diamonds immediately captured the government’s attention, which expelled the British firm from operating the fields in 2006.
The situation continued to deteriorate, with local villagers descending on the vacant field and mining the diamonds with improvised tools, joined by migrant workers from neighboring countries.
The government forcefully kicked out ACR because it wanted the diamonds for itself. In a further step to take control of the goods, army and police units attacked the diggers, killing an estimated 200 people in the process in 2008.
While the international community decried the violence and continues to demand that controls are set for Marange diamonds, ACR kept fighting for its claim, recently wining a court ruling that deemed the firm the legal claim holder of the mining area.
About two weeks ago, Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court ordered the goods ACR held - estimated at 150,000-300,000 carats - to be deposited at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, so neither ACR nor the government may possess the diamonds while the court is still deliberating the case.
What has followed is nothing short of a John Ford Western. A few nights before the goods were to be transported, a group of men brandishing AK-47 assault rifles stormed ACR’s office, robbing it of equipment but failing to steal the diamonds.
The goods were scheduled to be transferred to the bank’s safe in a secret operation last Thursday. Defying the court and the right to due process, the Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu commanded police to take hold of the goods as ACR and the bank were recording details of the diamonds, which were held in three strong boxes.
Usually in the movies, the goods and the robbers disappear into the darkness, which is what happened here. The Zimbabwe newspapers were quick to report Sunday night that the diamonds have disappeared. Again, usually in the movies, after a setback, the climax takes place and the Good Guys, typically by force, restore justice. No one wants to see further violence in Zimbabwe, but is this the path these goods will take? Time will tell.
