Zimbabwe’s mines ministry canceled a diamond mining license held by U.K.-based African Consolidated Resources Plc, the state-controlled Sunday Mail reported, citing ministry documents.

At least four closely held Zimbabwean miners have also had their licenses canceled and can no longer mine in the Marange diamond fields, the Harare-based newspaper said on its Web site.

Companies partnering with the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corp. can continue mining, the Sunday Mail reported. That includes Mbada Mining, a joint venture between ZMDC and Grandwell Holdings Ltd., owned by South Africa’s New Reclamation Group Ltd., it said.

The Zimbabwe government seized mining claims owned by African Consolidated in October 2006. The government has appealed a Sept. 25 High Court ruling that confirmed the company’s right of title to the claims.