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  • keyboard_arrow_rightKZN ‘diamonds’ are quartz stones, say experts

KZN ‘diamonds’ are quartz stones, say experts

By Kaya 959 News

The “diamonds” discovered in KwaHlathi in KwaZulu-Natal last week are quartz stones.

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay, confirmed that experts had examined the stones discovered in a minefield just outside Ladysmith and found them to be quartz stones.

Last week, the area was a hive of activity after an alleged illegal miner discovered the clear stones. It led to hordes of people flocking to the site, in the hopes of “striking it rich”.

Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, Pillay said a team of experts from the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, Council for Geoscience, the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator and Mintek analysed samples of the stones.

“The tests conducted conclusively revealed that the stones discovered in the area are not diamonds as some had hoped. In fact, what has been discovered are quartz crystals that are common across the Karoo Supergroup with extensional fracture planes within and along the contact of Karoo dolerite sill,” Pillay said.

Value of stones yet to be established

“The value, if any, of the quartz crystals is yet to be established but it must be mentioned that the value of quartz crystals is very low compared to that of diamonds,” Pillay said.

He said the Council for Geoscience working with various stakeholders will institute a geological mapping programme to further understand any other potential resources that may advance socio-economic development in KwaHlathi.

“Extensive geoscience studies are required in the area, at a regional scale to investigate possibilities of groundwater resources as well as any other lithologies that may be host to other natural resources that may contribute to local development and the economy of the province,” he said.

“A report on the findings by the Council for Geoscience and on the socio-economic challenges in the area will be presented to Premier Sihle Zikalala and the entire provincial executive council.”

READ: KZN mining executive gunned down in hail of bullets

Illegal mining activities

Pillay further appealed to people on-site to vacate the area as what they are involved in has the potential of spreading COVID-19.

“The illegal mining practices also have a negative impact on the environment and land degradation that has been accentuated by the extensive diggings in the area.

“We reiterate that the mining activity taking place at KwaHlathi is illegal. We urge the community to cooperate with the police and local leadership,” he said.

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