The Murowa diamond mine
The Murowa Diamond Mine is located near Zvishavane in South Central Zimbabwe. The owner of the mine, Murowa Diamonds Private Limited (MDPL), is incorporated in Zimbabwe. Rio Tinto plc has a 78 per cent interest in the company and the remaining 22 per cent interest is locally owned through RioZim (Private) Limited.
Three kimberlite pipes were discovered on the mine site in 1997. Feasibility studies and mine planning were conducted from 1998 to 2000, with mine commissioning in 2004. Murowa production is expected to average around US$65 per carat over the life of the mine; however, larger and significantly better quality stones have been recovered in the initial mining period.
The operating plan for the Murowa Diamond Project provides for small-scale production for the first three years, followed by possible expansion into lower grade material. MDPL employs around 90 people directly and 90 contractors who provide mining and village services.
The impact of the mine on the local community was recognised at the outset and consultation and community engagement have been key factors in this project. A number of key requirements were addressed as part of this consultation, including the relocation of 11 families to new homes and new prepared plots on new farms purchased by MDPL. More information about MDPL's sustainable development activities at Murowa is available from our Sustainable Development section.
Since 2004 Rio Tinto Diamonds' sales and marketing team in Antwerp, Belgium has been sorting and selling its share of diamonds from the Murowa mine to an international customer base.
