Mozambique The Government confirms diamonds found in Massangena district, in Gaza province, and says research work in this region involving national and foreign companies is ongoing.
In an interview with “Noticias”, National Director of Mines Elias Daude would not give a figure for the quantity of diamonds so far discovered, but empahsised that the country was working to formalise its commitment to the Kimberley Process, which allows the formal export of diamonds.
“What I will say is that Mozambique is a country rich in almost all types of mineral resources, including diamonds, but unfortunately we have not had the good fortune to make a thorough study and start exploration yet. There are, however, companies doing research in Massagena and this has resulted in the discovery of diamonds,” he said.
The national director for Mines also declined to disclose the number of companies currently involved in diamond research in our country, but 2011 data indicates 40 licenses were distributed among 27 holders of mining rights across the country at the time, of which 21 were companies and six individuals.
Government confirms diamonds found in Massangena, The provinces of Niassa, Tete, Manica, Zambezia, Sofala, Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo are identified as those hosting diamonds research and prospecting projects, with the whole of the Save valley believed to be prone to the occurrence of diamonds. Daude however maintains that almost every company involved in diamond research is concentrating on the Gaza area.
Daude stressed the importance of adherence to the Kimberley process, without which diamonds cannot be sold legally, no matter how large a quantity the country has.
“For this reason, experts from the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy are spearheading the process, so that diamonds can be exported legally,” he maintained.
Source: Notícias
No Comments