International News
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia as Market for Premium Stones Rebounds
Following a four-month pause, the miner restarts operations at Kagem’s Chama pit amid rising demand and improving auction results.
Gemfields has announced the resumption of open-pit mining operations at its Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, following signs of recovery in the global market for high-quality colored gemstones. The move comes after a four-month suspension of mining activities, which began on January 1, 2025, as part of a cost-control strategy during a challenging period for the gemstone sector.
During the suspension, Gemfields relied on processing material from existing stockpiles rather than extracting new ore. While the upgraded processing facility met expectations in terms of carat recovery, the company reported a lower yield of top-quality emeralds, citing the limited potential of stockpiled material compared to fresh ore from open-pit mining.
Encouraged by recent strong auction results and improving buyer sentiment, Gemfields will now restart mining in two high-potential zones within the Chama pit. The focus will be on minimal waste removal and targeted excavation to maximize recovery of premium-grade stones suitable for higher-end sales.
The company emphasized that this restart is a measured step, and it will continue to assess global market trends before making any decisions on returning to full-scale mining at Kagem. Gemfields holds a 75% stake in the mine, with the remaining 25% owned by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
The strategic restart underscores Gemfields’ confidence in the rebound of the premium emerald market while maintaining operational flexibility amid evolving global demand.
International News
GJEPC Steps Up UK Outreach Ahead Of IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026
GJEPC Visited Major Jewellery Trading Hubs, Meeting 20+ Jewellery Retailers and Wholesalers Through In-Person Interactions
GJEPC intensified its promotional efforts in the United Kingdom ahead of IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 through a week-long outreach programme in London that combined direct retailer engagement with the 2nd India-UK Jewellery Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM). The initiative was held from 6 to 10 July 2026 and aimed to attract more UK buyers while strengthening trade ties following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
As part of the campaign, Gaurang Vora, Manager, GJEPC, visited major jewellery trading hubs including Green Street, Southall and Wembley, meeting 20+ jewellery retailers and wholesalers through in-person interactions. He promoted IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026, distributed event information and registration details, and gathered market feedback on sourcing requirements and buying trends.
Based on feedback from UK buyers, the 2nd India-UK Jewellery Buyer-Seller Meet generated strong demand for 22-karat gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, lightweight designs, lab-grown diamond jewellery and silver jewellery. Buyers also expressed interest in sourcing from reliable, export-oriented Indian manufacturers and suggested that suppliers offer smaller minimum order quantities to better meet the needs of independent retailers.
The campaign generated new buyer enquiries, strengthened relationships with existing trade partners and provided GJEPC with market intelligence on consumer preferences and sourcing trends. The Council plans to continue engaging with buyers, assist with IIJS Bharat Premiere registrations and facilitate introductions between overseas buyers and Indian manufacturers.
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