Cameroon Diamond Field

Published on 05/01/12

Electricity lines that carry no current are strewn across the village of Mparo in eastern Cameroon, but residents hope a long-promised diamond mine will help turn on the lights.

The discovery of the Mobilong diamond field not far from the village located about 700km from the capital Yaounde, could vastly improve what is now a difficult life for residents.

Cameroon tapped South Korea's C&K Mining for the project, issuing a 25-year exploitation permit. The company says diamond mining will begin in 2012.

And if all goes according to plan, Mparo -- along with six other villages that include several pygmy settlements -- will be entitled to a 10% share of an announced 8% tax on all proceeds from the diamond mine.