Kagem Emerald Mine has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the community in which it operates and the people of Zambia benefit positively from the operations of the mine through various sustainability programmes aimed at alleviating poverty, in line with Government policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Speaking during a recent familiarization visit by IDC CEO Mr. Cornwell Muleya, Kagem Chairperson Dr. Sixtus Mulenga disclosed that Kagem since its acquisition in 2008 by Gemfields in partnership with the Zambian government through IDC, has stabilized and standardized the supply of emeralds in Zambia, transformed the operations of the mine and communities around it.
Dr. Mulenga further disclosed that Kagem has invested in state-of-the-art security to ensure that the emeralds being mined are sold legitimately for the proceeds to benefit the Zambian people through salaries for staff, taxes and community initiative programmes.
Acknowledging Kagem’s efforts of investing in state-of-the-art security, IDC CEO Mr. Muleya emphasized the importance of securing emeralds as they are meant to benefit many Zambians and not the selfish few. He added that the best security practices being employed by Kagem can be replicated by other mines to ensure that the minerals are sold legitimately at the right price.
Mr. Muleya commended Kagem for maintaining high standards of safety at the mine, employing over 1500 employees, and ensuring that Zambia benefits from the mining of gemstones.
