Govt silent on mystery of vanished diamond parcel

Petra, which bought its 75 per cent stake in Williamson Diamond from De Beers Societe Anonyme subsidiary Willcroft Company Ltd in 2008 for $10 million, is currently in discussions with the government for approval of expansion of the mining firm.

Adam Malima, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals said he was not aware of the theft but would cross-check with the relevant authorities and the investor. “It is too operational, it is not administrative; we cannot say anything at this time,” said Mr Malima.

However, speaking to this paper, the Commissioner for Minerals, Dalaly-Peter Kafumu, said the theft was reported to him in writing as regulations stipulate.

The Registrar of the Treasury was also notified as the shareholder of the government’s 25 per cent stake in the mine.

Dr Kafumu said: “Tanzania will not lose a shilling as according to the law, the diamond royalty (of five per cent) is provisionally paid before shipment.”

He said Petra has a diamond transport contract with South African Airways and the consignment was handed safely to the airline in Dar.

“But upon arrival at Johannesburg the seal was found tampered with and the diamonds were missing,” said Dr Kafumu.

He said if after the lapse of a certain period investigations fail to capture the culprit, the insurance company will settle the claim.

A source in the government told The EastAfrican that for many years, diamonds mined from Williamson were transferred under tight security to the London-based Tanzania Diamond Sorting Office (Tansort) before being tendered to any market abroad, but the new investor had changed the process.

Dr Kafumu said after Petra now sells directly at the Antwerp diamond markets, and the function of Tansort is not required.