WDC Issues Marange Diamonds Trading warning

Some confusion was created after member governments of the Kimberley Process (KP) gave their agreement on January 17 to a document that would allow for the resumption of exports from approved concessions in the Marange region.

"As outlined in the document, this approval is subject to agreement on continued oversight and monitoring," the WDC said in the statement. "Before exports can resume, however, the authorities in Zimbabwe need to complete a series on consultations with Mr. Mathieu Yamba, the Chair of the Kimberley Process, representing the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the WDC stated.

"We believe these consultations are sensitive and ongoing. Mr. Yamba has called for understanding and patience as efforts are made, in good faith, on all sides to reach a conclusion. We, therefore, advocate caution and the adoption of due diligence when trading rough diamonds on the international market."

The WDC said it would advise members as soon as consultations have been concluded and a clear directive has been received from the KP Chair.

Meanwhile, shipments of rough diamonds bought by Indian traders in Zimbabwe are reportedly stuck in Dubai’s free trade zone. The UAE authorities are not allowing them into the sheikdom without KP certificates, and the government of India is currently preventing their imports for the same reason.