Zimbabwe to Sell Marange Diamonds in Antwerp

Bloomberg reported that now that the European Union has lifted sanctions on state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corp., Zimbabwe plans to sell diamonds from its Marange fields in Antwerp in the near future.

Rights groups continue to allege that abuses have taken place at the mines in that area.

As quoted in the market news:

While a date has yet to be confirmed, the sale may take place before Dec. 20 or alternatively in January, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre. It will be for at least 500,000 carats, said a spokeswoman for the AWDC who asked not to be identified in line with the group’s policy.

Zimbabwe’s Daily News newspaper reported the sale will start today and will raise $37 million, citing Mines Secretary Francis Gudyanga. The AWDC said it won’t start this week.

Click here to read the full Bloomberg report.