Published: 21 February 2014

Zimbabwe expects to rake in nearly $35 million from the second auction of its diamond in Antwerp, Belgium this week.

The country - planning to resume local auctions this year - put over 923 000 diamond carats under the hammer.

Last year, it sold more than 279 000 carats in Antwerp and realised only $10.7 million at an average price of $37.5 per carat.

Francis Gudyanga, the mines ministry's permanent secretary, said the initial auction had "provided insight" and "tangible guidelines" that will allow government to fully  optimise  the current consignment.
- dailynews

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