The next month or so will be particularly interesting as the Zim government will merge the firms mining in Marange from 7 down to 1 or 2. I have additional commentary on the Marange situation here, but every time I open see a Google News alert for Marange, I think “what now?” and the news never fails to surprise me. Here’s hoping the merger is a positive development, even if one of the firms most likely to remain is the one in which the Mugabes are closest to.
The Centre for Research and Development expresses concern at the process:
We stand here deeply concerned about the arbitrary decision taken by government to direct mineral companies to merge as a way for the state to centralise its over-site on the exploitation of the diamond rich Marange area. We believe that diamonds are a finite resource and the structure of ownership and control in Chiadzwa in its present and envisioned state demands speedy and wise reform. This is not only a prudent decision in giving closure to this perennial problem but it is overriding human rights imperative.