Diamond production in Zimbabwe saw a notable increase of 4.99 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to statistics provided by ZIMSTAT.
In 2023, the country produced a total of 5,107,931 carats, marking a significant rise from the 4,865,011 carats produced in 2022. This upward trend reflects the ongoing growth and development within Zimbabwe’s diamond mining industry.
During the first quarter of 2023, the country witnessed a remarkable surge in diamond production, totalling 1,637,554 carats. This represented a substantial 54.8 per cent increase from the 1,057,710 carats produced during the same period in 2022. Similarly, the second quarter of 2023 saw a significant uptick in production, with 1,204,805 carats produced, marking a notable 26.8 per cent increase from the comparable quarter in 2022, which recorded 949,921 carats.
However, the third quarter of 2023 experienced a slight decline in production, with a decrease of 22 per cent to 1,035,905 carats compared to the same period in 2022, which saw 1,329,805 carats produced. Likewise, the fourth quarter of 2023 saw a decrease of 19 per cent, with production totalling 1,229,677 carats, down from 1,527,573 carats in the same quarter of 2022.
The history of diamond mining in Zimbabwe dates back to the late 19th century, with the discovery of significant diamond deposits in the country. Over the years, Zimbabwe has become renowned for its rich diamond resources, attracting investment and fostering growth in the sector. As Zimbabwe progresses towards its Vision 2030, which aims for sustainable economic development and prosperity, the diamond mining industry is poised to play a pivotal role. By leveraging its abundant diamond reserves and implementing strategic initiatives, Zimbabwe can further enhance its position as a key player in the global diamond market, contributing to the country’s vision of achieving socio-economic transformation and prosperity for its citizens.