Zim Mining Minister: De Beers, Vast Resources To Be Allowed To Explore

(IDEX Online) – Zimbabwe's Mining Minister Winston Chitando said De Beers and Vast Resources will be allowed to explore for diamonds, making them the first listed companies to mine in the country for several years.

However, a spokesperson for De Beers told Reuters that it was not mining in Zimbabwe and did not intend to, while Vast Resources said it could not comment.

Earlier this month, Zimbabwe's mining ministry said it would allow two new companies to mine in the Marange area, but did not name them.

On Wednesday, Chitando told Reuters De Beers and Vast Resources would be allowed to mine, but could not comment on any changes to ownership rules. “Those are the details that have to be thrashed out,” he said.