GOVERNMENT is negotiating with Germany, Japan, North Korea and Chinese companies to conduct mineral exploration and aero-magnetic surveys across the mineral-rich country, including at the Chiadzwa diamond fields.

Mines deputy minister Gift Chimanikire said in a recent interview most mining activities in Zimbabwe, including diamond mining in Chiadzwa and Chimanimani, are being done without extensive exploration or surveying.

"Most of the mining activities taking place is accidental. We do not have maps, exploration and survey reports confirming the quantities and quality of minerals at each mining site," said Chimanikire.

He said it was difficult to monitor and track mining activities at Chiadzwa since there is no recent exploration report for the area surrounding the diamond fields.