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 Holiday Shopping Expected To Top $1 Trillion For The First Time: NRF
While Overall Buying Power Remains High, Ongoing Inflation and Rising Household Costs Mean Some Families Will Have To Watch Their Spending More Carefully Than Others
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts Americans will spend $1.01 trillion on holiday shopping in November and December. That is a 4.2% jump from $972 billion last year.
NRF said its forecast was based on economic modeling that incorporates consumer spending, employment, wages and historical retail sales data. It excludes automobile, gasoline and restaurant sales
Extra Hiring: To handle the surge in shoppers, stores plan to hire 325,000 to 375,000 temporary holiday workers.
Mixed Budget Impact: Higher gas prices and inflation could still strain some family budgets, affecting low- and high-income shoppers differently.
Retailers expect a strong shopping season because people continue to make holiday spending a priority.
Store owners are ready to attract shoppers by offering competitive prices, deals, and choices for every budget.
While overall buying power remains high, ongoing inflation and rising household costs mean some families will have to watch their spending more carefully than others.
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