Kagem Mining Limited (Kagem) has successfully negotiated the 2026/2027 collective agreement for its unionised workers under which employees will receive a 10% salary increment for 2026 and a further 10% for 2027 across the board.
In addition, the negotiations between Kagem management and the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and the National Union of Miners & Allied Workers (NUMAW) saw the introduction of a 13th salary cheque for staff at 100% of monthly basic pay in December in lieu of the Christmas bonus, among other upward adjustments.
Kagem is a world-leading emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
“We are pleased to have once again reached an amicable agreement with our employees and their unions that will pave the way for a continued period of productive mining at Kagem in the coming year, spurred by the diligence and professionalism of our colleagues. This increment will also provide a positive knock-on effect to their families, the communities around the mine, and farther afield as Kagem strives to produce world-class emeralds that support the national economy,” said Kagem’s General Manager, Adriaan Prinsloo, acknowledging the focus and collaboration that went into the process from both sides of the table.
“Kagem will continue to prioritise the welfare of its employees alongside ensuring the sustainability of operations,” he added.
And NUMAW President, Mr Saul Simujika, commended Kagem management for its open-door policy and continued dialogue and engagement with stakeholders, urging the mine to keep up the same.
The collective agreement, which has been approved by the Labour Commissioner in Lusaka, marks the fourth consecutive year that the mine will be honouring such a commitment to its staff.
Kagem has a permanent and pensionable workforce of over 1,200, of which 92% are Zambian nationals.
