The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has issued a scathing statement condemning the deteriorating labour conditions across the country’s diamond sector, as companies reel from falling global prices, unpaid wages, mass retrenchments, and growing unrest among mine workers, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
With Zimbabwe’s rough diamonds reportedly selling for as little as US$30 per carat—a stark contrast to past highs—the entire industry is under pressure. The price collapse has led to sharp revenue losses, triggering a fresh wave of instability in the country’s diamond-producing regions.
In a press statement released on July 9, 2025, ZDAMWU General Secretary Justice Chinhema described the situation as a “triple threat” comprising plummeting productivity, rampant illicit trade, and a devastating labour crisis. He warned that the industry is “on the brink of collapse” if urgent reforms and protections are not implemented.
“Our members, hardworking mine workers in the diamond sector, are suffering amid a wave of layoffs, unpaid wages, and deteriorating labour standards at the country’s three diamond mining companies—ZCDC, Anjin Investments, and Murowa Diamonds,” Chinhema said.
ZCDC Retrenchments: Hundreds Face Job Loss Without Compensation
At Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), the union revealed that up to 600 workers are being laid off, with 295 already retrenched. Shockingly, those retrenched through the so-called “voluntary” process have not received their packages. The company has reportedly initiated compulsory retrenchments, which the union says violates the principles of fair labour practice and social protection.
“We condemn any forced or unfair retrenchment processes that violate workers’ rights and dignity,” ZDAMWU stated, urging ZCDC to halt the downsizing and engage workers in transparent and humane restructuring processes.
Anjin and Murowa: Sit-Ins and Protests Over Unpaid Salaries
At Anjin Investments, workers recently staged a protest demanding four months of unpaid salaries, while Murowa Diamonds workers are currently holding a sit-in over five months of unpaid wages. In both cases, the companies have reportedly failed to communicate adequately with employees or resolve long-standing salary disputes.
“These acts of negligence toward Zimbabwean workers are a gross betrayal of trust. Workers are producing wealth they never get to benefit from,” said a ZDAMWU representative on condition of anonymity.
Diamond Sector in Crisis as Global Prices Tank
The crisis is further compounded by weak global demand for rough diamonds and oversupply in international markets. Zimbabwe’s diamonds are now fetching as low as US$30 per carat—a figure industry observers say is unsustainable and undermines both profitability and viability for mining companies.
This has raised concerns that companies are using low prices as a justification to neglect labour obligations, while failing to introduce value addition, beneficiation, or domestic auctions to stabilise returns.
“We can’t allow the so-called price crash to become an excuse for abuse. These companies must honour their commitments to workers and explore real beneficiation to protect jobs,” said Chinhema.
ZDAMWU Demands Immediate Government Intervention
The union is now calling on the Government of Zimbabwe to intervene decisively. ZDAMWU has outlined the following key demands:
Immediate payment of all outstanding wages across ZCDC, Anjin, and Murowa
A halt to the forced retrenchments at ZCDC
Transparent dialogue and restructuring processes with worker participation
Long-term reforms to encourage value addition, protect jobs, and end reliance on raw diamond exports
