WFDB Welcomes Removal of Sanctions on Zimbabwe Miner

The decision had been delayed by a dispute between EU members Britain and Belgium over the results of Zimbabwe’s July elections on which the sanctions decision hinged.

Ernie Blom, the president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourse (WFDB) has praised the European Union’s (EU) decision to remove sanctions on the export of diamonds from mines in Zimbabwe that are owned in part or wholly by the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC).

"By lifting sanction on the import of diamonds from Zimbabwe into Europe, it prevents any illegal exports and as such also makes it possible to formalize diamond exports and mining operations in Zimbabwe for the development of the Zimbabwean people to benefit from the countries rich mineral resources,” Blom said.

Accordingly, rough diamonds produced by the ZMDC can be imported into the EU as of September 25. Furthermore, the lifting of sanctions means that imports from other companies tied to the ZMDC are also permitted.

These firms are: Marange Resources, Canadile, Mbada, Kimberworth Investments and Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC).

Rough diamonds from ZMDC must be sent in a tamper-proof container and be accompanied by a valid Kimberley Process Certificate for entry into the EU.