Harare: Rich diamond deposits have been discovered in the Sese area of Chivi, with investors scrambling to start mining the gems that are expected to catapult Masvingo Province into a mining hub.

Masvingo already boosts of minerals such as lithium that is mined at Bikita Minerals, gold at Renco Mine and coal, which is mined in the Lowveld.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Josaya Hungwe said diamond mining was set to start in Chivi following the discovery of kimberlite pipes in the Sese area.

Addressing the media during a press conference ahead of a re-branding dinner dance to market economic opportunities in Masvingo, Sen Hungwe said the discovery of diamonds in Chivi would economically transform the province.

Sen Hungwe said discovery of the gems affirmed Masvingo’s position as a mineral-rich province in the country.

“I have just been briefed about the discovery of rich diamond deposits in the Sese area of Chivi and the gems are not alluvial diamonds, but they are kimberlite pipes rich in diamonds discovered in the area in an exciting development for mining in our province and the entire country.

“We have made it clear to investors who are interested in extracting the gems to come up with proposals on how they plan to exploit the diamonds and Government will make a decision on how the diamonds will be mined.’’

Sen Hungwe said preliminary indications showed the kimberlite pipes stretched from Sese to the Mandiva area, about 10 kilometres apart.