ALROSA Zim begins diamond prospecting
A joint venture between ALROSA and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) ALROSA (Zimbabwe) Limited (ALROSA Zim), began prospecting and preliminary exploration works for primary diamond deposits.
After getting Special Grants from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, ALROSA Zim has the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approved by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and is set to commence prospecting and exploration in Masvingo, Matebeleland South and Matebeleland North provinces of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
In July 2020, ALROSA Zim’s geologists to start geochemical sampling, trenching and pitting in Malipati zone, with ground geophysical surveys to follow. Towards the end of the year, the same prospecting operations, including airborne geophysical surveys to be conducted in the Maitengwe area.
Bulk sampling and drilling to commence in 2021.
‘Following the signing of a joint venture agreement with ZCDC to develop diamond deposits in Zimbabwe in December 2019, we are progressing well towards the initiation of the full-scale prospecting works this year. Being a member of Responsible Jewellery Council, World Diamond Council and Natural Diamond Council, ALROSA complies in full with all industry commitments on responsible business practices and its own corporate standards. ALROSA is committed to following these principles strictly while working in the Republic of Zimbabwe, minimizing adverse environmental impact in all areas of activities and using mineral resources comprehensively and rationally’, said Vladimir Marchenko, ALROSA Deputy CEO.
ALROSA’s investments in Zimbabwe for 2020-2022 are expected to reach $12 million.
According to the shareholder agreement and a JV establishment agreement, ALROSA has 70% of ALROSA (Zimbabwe) Limited JV, while Zimbabwean state-owned diamond mining company’s share is 30%. The joint venture focuses on prospecting, exploration and, in case of success, mining of primary diamond deposits in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
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