Reports of Police Raids on Zimbabwe Diamond Diggers

A “massive crackdown” on illegal diamond miners is being reported in the Zimbabwe press. Some 30 miners were arrested on environmental degradation charges, as it was not established yet that the mined gems are diamonds.

Following rumors of new diamond finds in the Chikwizi area of Chimanimani, artisanal miners started digging on Dziike Mountain, reportedly rolling boulders down the mountainside when police arrived.

The Zimbabwe government has been working hard to prevent such rushes to diamond sites, in order to protect its riches. However at the same time, mining companies are hesitant to develop diamond deposits due to concerns stemming from the political environment.

President Mugabe said on a number of occasions that mines will be nationalized. Economically, the country is suffering from many problems, including a four digit annual inflation rate.