Kagem Mining Limited, the emerald mine in Zambia has announced plans to resume a programme of focused open-pit mining to recover more premium emeralds.
Kagem suspended all mining from 1st January 2025 to focus on processing ore from its significant ore stockpile utilizing the upgraded processing plant.
According to the firm, 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 30th 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,” it said.
The mine added that the decision to recommence full scale mining will continue to be assessed as market conditions develop.
Kagem Mining Limited is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (“IDC”).
