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.
A closed-door outreach session in Paris brought senior Kimberley Process (KP) leadership into direct dialogue with leading luxury jewellery maisons, positioning the certification system at the centre of brand risk, sourcing integrity and consumer trust.
Hosted by UFBJOP, the invitation-only discussion, held under Chatham House Rule, clarified how the KP works, why it remains central to the natural diamond value chain, and how it supports brand credibility in a market shaped by rising transparency expectations.
The panel featured Feriel Zerouki, President, World Diamond Council (WDC); Stéphane Fischler, former President, WDC; Anoop Mehta, Convenor – Diamond Panel, GJEPC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO, DMCC & former KP Chair; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC & Deputy Advisor to KP Chair, who shared perspectives spanning industry, governance and trade.
The discussion opened with an overview of the KP’s origins and mechanics, followed by India’s 2026 Chairmanship priorities built around the “3Cs” – Credibility, Compliance and Confidence. The framework focuses on strengthening certification integrity, addressing financial risks like crypto-linked transactions, and improving consumer-facing communication.
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