Ignoring external criticism of its activities, the government of Zimbabwe said it will deepen its involvement in the country’s diamond mining. Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu said the government will fund machinery purchases to start commercial mining at Chiadzwa diamond fields in Manicaland, the state-owned daily The Herald reported.

Mpofu toured the mining area with ministers of Defense, State Security and Home Affairs last Thursday the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) is about to commence work. “Government appreciates the security being offered by the security ministries to avoid further leakage of diamonds,” he said.

Zimbabwe was sharply criticized in recent weeks over human right abuses committed when it forcefully took over diamond fields, an act that cost the lives of more than a dozen people.

President Mugabe is suspected of taking diamonds out of the country to East Asia, while his wife reportedly is interested in buying a polishing plant in China.

Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) called on the international community and the Kimberley Process to act immediately.