International News
Kagem to recommence focused open-pit mining
Gemfields is pleased to announce that Kagem Mining Limited (‘Kagem’), the emerald mine in Zambia which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (‘IDC’), will shortly recommence a programme of focused open-pit mining to recover more premium emeralds.
As announced on 23 December 2024, alongside other cost cutting measures, Kagem suspended all mining from 1 January 2025 to focus on processing ore from Kagem’s significant ore stockpile utilising the upgraded processing plant.
Emerald production from the processing plant in 2025 so far, in terms of carats recovered, has been in-line with the Company’s expectations, producing a lower proportion of higher-quality or premium emeralds than direct open-pit mining methods.
Kagem’s recent auction results, including the encouraging commercial-quality auction results released on 30 April 2025, has increased management confidence in the current emerald market and the decision has therefore been taken to recommence mining of two key production points in the Chama pit, with minimal waste mining, to recover premium emeralds for Kagem’s future higher-quality auctions. The decision to recommence full scale mining will continue to be assessed as market conditions develop.
International News
US Spot Gold Rebounds Above $4,700
Gold prices in the U.S. have moved back above $4,700 per ounce, with spot gold trading near $4,750 on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This marks a gain of over 1% in a single day, following its strongest rise in more than five weeks on Wednesday.
Although gold is still around 15% below its record high of nearly $5,595 per ounce, reached in January 2026, prices remain much higher than the $4,300–$4,400 support range seen during the market decline in late March.
Gold has been trading in a narrow range since the Iran conflict began in late February. During that period, prices dropped by more than 10% as rising oil prices increased inflation concerns, forcing the U.S. Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged and pushing Treasury yields higher.
Now, market conditions are changing. Oil prices are easing, bond yields are falling, and investors are returning to gold, making it more attractive again.
Three main factors are supporting the recent rise in gold prices:
1. Falling U.S. Treasury yields:
The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury bond has dropped from around 4.4%, reducing the cost of holding gold. Since gold does not pay interest, lower bond yields make it a more attractive investment.
2. A weaker U.S. dollar:
A softer dollar generally helps gold prices, as it makes gold cheaper for buyers using other currencies.
3. Optimism over U.S.–Iran talks:
Renewed hopes of diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran have improved market sentiment, adding support to gold prices.
With Treasury yields easing and inflation fears cooling, one of the biggest pressures on gold since March is beginning to fade.
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