Meeting with Representatives of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mining and Energy

UNEDITED DRAFT – SECTION ON THE MEETING WITH THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE

Meeting with Representatives of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mining and Energy

The KP Monitor had the privilege of meeting honourable members of the Zimbabwe Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange view on complex matters pertaining to Marange diamond fields. The monitor briefed members on the role and scope of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. In an open and frank environment, the monitor shared his views on the challenges that face the Kimberley process in Zimbabwe. Among other things, he explained the scheme’s position on issues that fall outside its mandate and that decision making in the Kimberley Process is based on consensus to accommodate divergent views but still achieve its mandate.

In turn, the KP Monitor requested members to share their views on the issue of demilitarisation of parts of Marange. The focus was on the areas that are not occupied by investors. Parliamentarians spent some time debating the costs and benefits of removing soldiers from Chiadzwa in Marange at once and concluded that would create “a free-for-all situation”. They noted the possibility that if the army is withdrawn, panners and illegal diggers would return to Marange. Based on this assertion, honourable members considered that “gradual withdrawal of the army could be the best option”. The discussions ended with a feeling that the army must remain in Marange until and after government has put in place proper security measures. Other matters were raised, including the matter between the government of Zimbabwe and African Consolidated Resources. The Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Hounourable Edward Chindori- Chininga reminded members that the committee had agreed to allow the judicial system to deal with the matter. Other matters, ranged from the parliamentary committee visit to Marange of which the chairman reminded members that the parliament of Zimbabwe has competencies and rules that govern how such arrangements are managed.

Members recommended to the KP Monitor that the army should be supported by Zimbabwe Minerals unit to ensure that additional competences required in dealing with diamond matters are provided to guarantee a professional operation. They ended their meeting with the KP Monitor stressing that appropriate training for the army to deal with communities in areas where they operate was critical.

Hon Chindori-Chininga represented Zimbabwe as

founding member in the international negotiations and establishment of the

Kimberly Certification Process as Minister of Mines for Zimbabwe. He is

currently the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy in

Zimbabwe. Then put the attachments under. I will send you more information.