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
Sarine Posts $3.49 Mn H1 Loss As LGD Pressure Market
The Company Attributed The Latest Deficit Primarily To Higher Operating Expenses, Which Increased About 25% From A Year Earlier, Competition From Lab-Grown Diamonds and Weak Luxury Demand
Sarine Technologies Ltd. reported a net loss of $3.49 million for the first half of 2026, as competition from lab-grown diamonds and weak luxury demand in key markets continued to weigh on the diamond industry.
The Israel-based diamond-technology company said it expects market conditions to remain challenging, although anecdotal reports indicate that retail demand for natural diamonds has remained relatively stable.
Sarine’s loss for the six months ended June 30 compared with a $3.7 million loss in the second half of 2025 and a $166,000 loss in the first half of last year.
The company attributed the latest deficit primarily to higher operating expenses, which increased about 25% from a year earlier. Nearly half of that increase was linked to the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar against the Israeli shekel.
The natural-diamond polishing sector continued to face pressure from lab-grown diamonds, particularly in the U.S., while subdued luxury spending in China added to the strain. Sarine said those conditions hurt sales of capital equipment and some of its traditional services.
Some parts of the business, however, showed stronger momentum. Revenue from Sarine’s Most Valuable Plan, or MVP, more than doubled in the first half as diamond manufacturers increasingly adopted artificial-intelligence-driven planning tools to improve yields and reduce production costs.
Certification activity at GCAL, in which Sarine acquired a 70% stake in 2023, also increased more than 50%. The growth helped cushion weaker sales of capital equipment and lower volumes from the company’s Galaxy scanning business.
Revenue declined 6% year over year to $14.41 million, while the operating loss stood at about $2.2 million.
The results underscore the uneven impact of the diamond market’s structural shifts on technology providers. While traditional equipment and services remain exposed to pressure on natural-diamond manufacturing, demand for technologies that improve efficiency and reduce costs is gaining traction as manufacturers contend with tighter margins.
-
National News4 hours agoGargi By P N Gadgil & Sons Unveils Rakhi Collection 2026: Over 1,000 Silver Designs, A Kids’ Character Range and 9kt Gold Gifting For Sisters
-
International News3 hours agoSarine Posts $3.49 Mn H1 Loss As LGD Pressure Market
-
National News3 hours agoThis Raksha Bandhan, Turn A Timeless Bond Into A Keepsake With Palmonas
-
National News6 hours agoIndia’s GJ Exports Rise 2.44% To US$ 9.17 Billion In April–July 2026, Led By 21% Surge In Studded Gold jewellery

