THERE has been a lot of attention given to Marange diamonds lately and a lot of hope raised around diamond sales. Around the time that teachers went on strike, some even suggested the government should sell diamonds and pay teachers salaries from the proceeds.
I think that our leaders are raising inordinately high hopes on the benefits that will accrue from Marange diamond fields. Are there any figures indicating a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s budget coming from Marange diamonds?
There has not been any figures published of how much it will cost to establish a mine in Marange, the expected mine life and annual sales of diamonds that will come from that deposit. I think a sober cost benefit assessment of Marange diamond fields is needed.
Even the rich nations that invest in resources around the world have not considered diamonds a strategic commodity that they would chase after. There have been countries whose economies grew and prospered after discovery and mining of oil — countries in the Middle East such as United Arab Emirates come to mind. How much are the Marange diamond sales going to contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s economy?
While there is every reason to celebrate our diamond wealth, I think we have gone beyond measure. I see a mine established at Marange diamond field employing less than 300 people.
There are greater opportunities for employment and wealth creation in other sectors of the economy than around the diamond fields. Leaders must do more planning to revive other sectors of the economy. We risk being disappointed if we place all our hopes on Marange diamonds.
Let’s go back to the things that made us a great African nation in the 1980s and early 1990s. Good old commercial farming and manufacturing will do much more for Zimbabwe than diamonds.

S Hwamanda
Bulawayo

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