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September 2010 Vol 25, Mining and Industry Indaba

UAE Returns Illegal Diamonds to Zimbabwe

Wed, Sep 29, 2010

The United Arab Emirates seized a package of illegal rough diamonds from the Marange and returned the stones to the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) and the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) about two weeks ago, reported the BBC.

The parcel reportedly held 4,000 carats that arrived in Dubai from Harare.  Both the ZMDC and MMCZ are on the list of sanctioned companies owned by those in control of Zimbabwe, as ordered by the U.S. government.

The BBC reported that the MMCZ defended the exports to Dubai. MMCZ contended that the rough diamonds were recovered at the Marange between 2007 and 2009, predating a temporary ban on rough earlier this year by the Kimberley Process.

By Staff reporter and agencies

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