Zimbabwe to allow two new companies to mine diamonds

A diamond dealer from Zimbabwe displays diamonds for sale in Manica, near the border with Zimbabwe. [Photo: Reuters]

HARARE- Zimbabwe will now allow two more private companies to explore and mine diamonds in the country, bringing to four the number of firms that will operate in the sector, mines minister Winston Chitando has said.

Last week Chitando said the country did not plan to change its ownership rules for diamonds and platinum, denting hopes among some miners the country will open up ownership as it announces mineral frameworks in coming weeks.