The High Court of Zimbabwe has temporarily allowed Mbada Diamonds the opportunity to return to the site of its project in Marange and access its assets, according to reports in the local media. The company had challenged the decision of the government which took control of all the diamond mines operating in the region a few days earlier stating that their licences had expired.

The media reported that an interim order passed by the court had allowed the Company’s personnel “full access to all the relevant premises equipment, diamond ore and any other assets”.

Mbada Diamonds is a 50/50 venture between the Zimbabwe government and Grandwell Holdings, which is registered in Mauritius.

The Court is expected to pass a more detailed judgement on the issue this week, the reports said.

The media also reported that Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development Walter Chidhakwa as saying that the government would appeal against the order.