Harare: Approximately 2,000 workers have lost their jobs with the Marange diamond companies, following the government’s decision to order them to cease operations, according to a report on AllAfrica.com.

The laid off workers have reportedly vowed to storm the ministry of mines’ offices in protest at the government’s alleged refusal to answer requests regarding forcing their former employers to pay salaries outstanding since 2014.

In February, Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa closed down the companies who were mining the fields of Chiadzwa, claiming that some of the firms had been operating illegally for the previous five years.

President Robert Mugabe recently said that the now-closed mining companies might have stripped Zimbabwe of up to $15 billion.