A team of delegates from Zimbabwe led by Zimbabwe Mining Minister Obert Mpofu, were hosted by the Surat Rough Diamond Sourcing India Ltd. (SRDSIL) in Surat, to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding between the two. According to the MoU, SRDSIL would cooperate in establishing a diamond factory in Harare, and train diamond cutters in Zimbabwe. On its part Zimbabwe would assure constant supply of rough diamonds to the Surat Diamond industry, and SRDSIL has requested for $100 million worth of Marange diamonds each month. The MoU was handed over by Ashit Mehta, Chairman SRDSIL to Mining Minister. A team of SRDSIL is slated to visit Zimbabwe this month to complete the MoU. Witnessing this important event were key diamantaires and partners/directors of the SRDSIL. The SRDSIL had arranged for the delegation to be taken from Mumbai to Surat (India’s diamond cutting and polishing hub), by charter flight on October 14, accompanied by 100 diamantairs from Mumbai led by Ashit Mehta and partners/directors from Karp Impex Ltd , Dharmanandan Diamonds ,J.B.and Brothers Pvt. Ltd., C.Mahendra Exports, K.P.Sanghavi, Shree Ramkrishna Export, Sanghavi Exports, Hari Krishna Exports etc. The entire delegation was received at the Surat airport by key diamond traders of Surat, in the traditional Indian gesture of a live music band and tilak. The delegation was then taken to visit Varachha Road, the diamond hub of Surat.

The visit included a stop over at Bluestar factory, the most modern factory, Dharmanandan Diamonds, Sanghavi Exports, Karp Impex and Laxmi Diamonds, symbols of India’s power and prowess in diamond manufacturing.

In the meeting that saw the presentation of the MoU, Obert Mpofu remarked De Beers failing to find a single diamond while prospecting the mine for 15 years in Zimbabwe, while having taken tons of sample from the mine.

Speaking informally with DiamondWorld on whether any rough diamonds have been sold to China, Obert Mpofu stated that they have given mining licence to one Chinese company to explore rough, but no Indian mining company has so far applied for mining.

He further added that some of the companies have applied and received licenses to open manufacturing facilities in Zimbabwe. An Indian company has also applied for the same and has been approved.

Speaking on the supply of roughs, Obert Mpofu said that Zimbabwe is ready with 6 million carats of roughs awaiting to get the KP certification, and then move to the cutting centers. The total area marked is around 77,000 hectare land where diamond mining is possible . Currently only one company is operating in 2000 hectare land. Obert Mpofu said “There is enormous opportunity in our country and we will be very happy to work with India and other countries and have a win-win situation for everybody.”

He further stated, “Zimbabwe can change the future of the diamond industry if the world diamond industry supports us and work together.” He also requested the Indian banks to support and operate in Zimbabwe.

This event comes as a stimulus to the purpose of the SRDSIL, which was formed to directly source rough diamonds from mining countries, ultimately boosting the Surat diamond industry and future business.