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The High Commissioner of India to Zambia, HE Ashok Kumar, visited the Kagem emerald mine in Lufwanyama District last week as part of his official tour to the Copperbelt Province.
The Envoy viewed the mine’s pit and sort house during a guided tour by General Manager Sanjeev Kumar, who explained processes involved at Kagem, believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine, owned by London-based Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Jaipur, India is the world’s most important trading centre for emeralds, representing a key market for Zambia’s gemstone sector.
The High Commissioner said: “I have been impressed by what I have seen at Kagem. The company is leading the way in responsible mining of gemstones in Zambia and indeed globally. I have also seen how the company demonstrates its commitment to local communities, and is contributing significantly to Zambia’s economy through tax, dividends, employment and foreign exchange earnings.”
Kagem’s General Manager said: “It was an honour to welcome His excellency the High Commissioner of India to Kagem and give him first-hand experience of the mining operations which provide a consistent supply of coloured gemstones to the global jewellery market.”
The visit was in keeping with Kagem’s ethos of promoting transparency, legitimacy and integrity within the sector as a whole.
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