Zimbabwe could become world top diamond producer

The government says it has stockpiled 4.5 million carats from its two joint venture mines in Marange since January and that it sold its first stones last month after approval from global diamond industry regulator, the Kimberley Process (KP).

"With the new diamond find in Chiadzwa (Marange), we're estimated at 40-million carats per year and $2 billion per year in revenue," said Belgian diamond expert Filip van Loere in an interview. He is advising the government on ensuring compliance with the KP.