KP Chair Holds Talks on Diamond Issues With Mozambique President

(IDEX Online) – Kimberley Process (KP) Chair, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has visited Mozambique as part of his efforts to increase dialogue with African countries on the rough diamond trade and to strengthen the KP’s mandate. 

Bin Sulayem met with a number of Mozambique’s senior government and army officials, including President Filipe Nyusi, Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosário, Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Culture and Tourism Domingos Artur, and the Chief of Staff, Army and Defence Forces.

During his visit, the UAE KP Chair’s talks with President Nyusi and the other senior officials centred on the government’s progress towards compliance with KP requirements, as well as best practices in rough diamond valuation, the KP Chair said in a statement.

"Mozambique is not currently a member of the KP, but it is an aspiring candidate since it presented its membership portfolio in 2012. Following the discovery of diamonds earlier this year in the Massangena district of the Gaza province, local authorities have undertaken efforts to garner more support for its candidacy in order to receive clearance to export its conflict-free diamonds. While the country’s economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture accounting for around 25% of the total GDP, the export of precious metals and gemstones is emerging as one of the country’s major economic pillars. The discovery of diamonds will add to this vibrant sector, but the size of the Mozambican diamond resources remains undeclared for security reasons.

"Today, it is reported that several international mining companies have joined the country’s diamond exploration rush. And as such, receiving the KP approval stamp would allow the country to export diamonds and spur its economy."

“For years, the precious metals and gemstones sectors have been among the main drivers of the country’s growth and given the challenging economic conditions today, it is now more important than ever to extend our support to the Mozambican leaders to help them meet the KPCS requirements," Bin Sulayem said. "At this stage, it is critical to ensure they have a firm understanding of best practices in rough diamond valuation thus stimulating better returns for the local population and miners, as well as to provide them with a fair share of the country’s newly-found wealth.”

In a bid to strengthen the country’s KP candidacy and support its application, the Maputo government has approved a number of measures expected to enter into effect on November 20. These include the creation of a supervising agency, the Kimberley Process Management Unit, and a decree which regulates diamond, precious metals, and gem sales.