Kagem Emerald Mine to Resume Focused Open-Pit Mining to Boost Premium Gem Recovery
Kagem Mining Limited, Zambia’s leading emerald producer, is set to recommence focused open-pit mining operations to increase the recovery of premium-quality emeralds, Gemfields Group Limited announced today.
The mine, located in Lufwanyama District, is 75% owned by UK-based Gemfields and 25% by the Zambian government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
This development follows a suspension of mining activities that began on January 1, 2025. During the hiatus, Kagem redirected its operations to processing ore from its substantial stockpile using an upgraded plant as part of broader cost-saving measures.
While emerald production has continued steadily in terms of carats, the volume of higher-grade gems recovered has been below expectations.
“The decision to resume mining two strategic production points in the Chama pit comes on the back of encouraging auction results and improved market confidence,” Gemfields said in a statement released from its London office. The targeted mining approach is designed to minimise waste while enhancing the yield of premium emeralds for upcoming high-value auctions.
The most recent auction, held on April 30, 2025, revealed strong performance in the commercial-quality emerald segment, reaffirming investor confidence and market demand.
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson noted that while the full resumption of large-scale mining will be closely tied to evolving market dynamics, the renewed extraction activities mark a positive step in ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality Zambian emeralds.
Kagem is globally renowned for producing some of the world’s finest emeralds and is a significant contributor to Zambia’s gemstone sector and national revenue.
