Rio Tinto has completed the sale of its 78 % interest in Murowa Diamonds and its 50 % interest in Sengwa Colliery Ltd to RZ Murowa Holdings Limited. It says it believes that the future of these assets can be best managed by entities with existing interests in Zimbabwe.
RioZim Limited, an independent Zimbabwean mining company listed on the Zimbabwean Stock Exchange, already holds a 22 % interest in Murowa Diamonds and a 50 % interest in Sengwa and will assume the overall management of both entities.
The crushing and screening plant at the Murowa diamond mine (photo: Rio Tinto).
Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals Chief Executive Alan Davies said "Rio Tinto remains committed to the diamond industry and is focused on operating its two world-class underground mines whilst obtaining the approvals for its advanced diamond project in India."
The Murowa diamond mine is an open-pit mining operation located near Zvishavane in south-central Zimbabwe. Production from Murowa began in 2004 and the mine reportedly produced 344 000 carats in 2014.
