The illegal trading of diamonds is reportedly rife in African countries such as Sierra Leone, Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, where rebels are widely known to occupy and exploit the mineral rich parts of the countries.
This in turn is widely blamed for fueling conflicts in troubled countries, which are rich in minerals.
The tough stance by governments to come hard on conflict diamonds comes as hundreds of international delegates launch the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) on conflict diamonds, in Interlaken, Switzerland.
The delegates plan to stop the trading in precious stones in exchange for weapons to further arm rebel groups fighting governments around the world.
The delegates are also discussing ways to punish or make it impossible for companies and private dealers to trade in conflict diamonds.
The KPCS provides for the blacklisting of mining companies, government structures and private dealers doing business with rebel groups, who sell diamonds in exchange for arms to intensify their attacks on governments.
Representing the country at the two-day meeting of leading diamond dealers is minerals and energy minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who is also chairing the gathering under the auspices of the World Diamond Council.
The summit ends tomorrow.
Speaking to BuaNews from Switzerland, director for international co-ordination at the ministry of minerals and energy Yvonne Mfolo said the gathering was also discussing ways to block the selling of conflict diamonds on national and international markets.
Amongst other mechanism to curb the problem, the delegates were looking at introducing the issuing of certificates for legitimate diamonds.
Ms Mfolo, however, added that anyone found to be trading in conflict diamonds faced blacklisting, trading licence loss and the wrath of the law in accordance with a particular country's laws - BuaNews.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
