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
GJEPC Brisbane Outreach Connects Indian Exporters With Queensland Jewellery Trade
India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To Australia Reached US$374.33 Million In FY2025–26, Up 16% From US$322.72 Million A Year Earlier
The Brisbane portion of GJEPC’s Australia-New Zealand trade mission brought Indian gem and jewellery exporters into discussions with Queensland’s jewellery retailers, wholesalers and business bodies, while reinforcing the opportunities created by the India-Australia ECTA.
Led by Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC, the delegation visited Brisbane on 24-25 August 2026 and met Ms. Neetu M. Bhagotia, Consul General of India in Brisbane, as part of its engagement with the local jewellery and business community.
India’s gem and jewellery exports to Australia reached US$374.33 million in FY2025–26, up 16% from US$322.72 million a year earlier, as the India–Australia ECTA’s tariff-free market access continues to open opportunities for Indian exporters.
Sridhar Iyengar, Director – International Events, GJEPC, facilitated B2B interactions with local jewellery businesses and representatives of industry and business organisations. The programme included Michael Hill, Salt Wholesaling, Omi En Vogue, Prince Jewellers, along with representatives from Business Chamber Queensland and the Australia India Business Council. The outreach also took the delegation to established jewellery stores such as Wallace Bishop and Hardy Brothers, providing an on-ground view of Australian jewellery retail presentation and merchandising.
The engagement provided the Indian delegation with a closer understanding of Queensland’s retail and wholesale landscape and opportunities to connect Indian manufacturing capabilities with local businesses. The participating Indian companies span natural and lab-grown diamonds, gold, silver, platinum, coloured gemstones and contemporary jewellery.
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