By Revesai Mavetera
In the face of a stumbling economy, certain rural communities have resorted to sheltering illegal miners and traders to evade authorities in exchange for financial support, according to a recent report titled “Illicit Trading In Minerals and Mineral Leakages.” The report, presented in Parliament by the Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, and Security Services, focused on the security of minerals in Zimbabwe.
The findings revealed that communities located near the Marange diamond fields were engaging in aiding smugglers of this precious stone as a means of survival. During the Committee’s visit to the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) and Anjin Investments, it became apparent that the presence of artisanal diamond miners indicated a prevalence of smuggling activities.
The report highlighted statements from representatives of Anjin Investments, ZCDC, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who confirmed that mining communities were the main culprits behind diamond smuggling. Shockingly, spokespersons from the local community openly admitted that they provided shelter to illegal miners as a way to alleviate the unbearable economic hardships they faced.
The report further emphasized the grievances expressed by these communities regarding the lack of community development and empowerment programs. Many residents expressed their dissatisfaction with their dire socio-economic conditions and declared their intention to continue supporting illicit diamond mining and trading until the authorities took action to improve their well-being through community development initiatives.
It was also noted by the committee that diamonds obtained by unlicensed miners and traders were able to circumvent the formal diamond value chain, potentially finding their way to Mozambique en route to Europe and the Arab world.
The community members implicated cases of collusion between private mine guards and licensed miners or underpaid mine employees, resulting in diamond leakages. The committee additionally observed that a comprehensive exploration of the Marange area had not been conducted, rendering it vulnerable to diamond smuggling incidents.
The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) highlighted a legislative gap that hindered the integration of artisanal diamond miners into the formal system, preventing all diamonds from being channeled through legal channels.
Civil Society Organizations referenced in the report blamed mining companies for failing to relocate villagers residing in diamond concessions and the absence of proper fencing to deter unlicensed miners from gaining access, thus contributing to diamond leakages.
The report also raised concerns about the involvement of law enforcement agencies in organizing syndicates with unlicensed miners and traders, particularly in green zones, while displaying reluctance to intercept illegal diamond miners and buyers at roadblocks
