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JULY 24, 2023

Kagem reaffirms commitment to its workforce 

LUFWANYAMA, ZAMBIA – Kagem Mining, a world-leading gemstone miner, held last week its long service and Labour Day awards ceremony, reiterating its commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its dedicated workforce. 

The event, held at the mine site in Lufwanyama, saw distinguished government officials, Kagem board members, and employees come together to honour and celebrate the dedication and diligence of Kagem’s workforce. The ceremony recognised and rewarded 103 exceptional employees for their long-standing service and hard work. 

The guest of honour, Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justin Mwalikwa, commended Kagem’s significant role in the local community, particularly in providing employment opportunities that have driven progress in the district. 

“Lufwanyama, like many other regions, has faced employment challenges, leaving talented individuals without the means to support their families. Kagem’s commitment has been a beacon of hope, contributing to the district’s development and positively impacting countless lives through job creation and provision,” Mr Mwalikwa said. 

As of 2023, Kagem employs 1,150 dedicated individuals, with 94% of them being locals. The emerald mine has revealed plans to further increase its workforce to achieve its goal of higher emerald production to 45 million carats. Kagem Board Chairperson, Dr Sixtus Mulenga, stated that this expansion would only be possible with a motivated workforce. 

“At Kagem, we wholeheartedly believe in creating a suitable working environment for our employees, and providing equal opportunities for all. Our commitment extends to nurturing the youth as future leaders and promoting gender equality through various initiatives, including the recent employment of women as heavy equipment operators,” Dr Mulenga explained. 

Mr Mwalikwa acknowledged Kagem’s commendable dedication to local employment and equal opportunities and pledged to continue collaborating with public and private institutions to address employment challenges in Lufwanyama. 

Meanwhile, Kagem Managing Director, CV Suresh, echoed these sentiments, recognising the role played by the local workforce in the company’s remarkable success.  

“As management, we genuinely appreciate the fact that without the dedicated service of our employees, Kagem would not be what it is today,” he declared.   

And, speaking during the event, Mine Workers Union (MUZ) Secretary General George Mumba hailed the ceremony for recognising employee dedication and hard work.  

Mr Mumba then urged Kagem to continue to adopt a consultative approach when formulating policies affecting the workforce, highlighting the value of open dialogue. 

Cash prizes and assorted household items were given to the recipients in recognition of their service, while those with long service were honoured with wristwatches. 

The event demonstrated Kagem’s commitment to its employees, their welfare, and the broader local community. The company’s progressive approach to employment, gender equality, and talent development has contributed significantly to its prominent standing in the gemstone industry. 

-Ends-

CONTACT
Enquiries
Gillian Langmead
Langmead & Baker Ltd
Tel: +260 979 060705
info@langmead.com

Head office
Helena Choudhury
Head of PR and Communications
Tel: +44 (0)207 518 3420
helena.choudhury@gemfields.com

Albertina Namburete 
PR Manager 
Tel: +44 (0)783 325 7387 
Albertina.namburete@gemfields.com

Kagem responsible sourcing highlights

Kagem is committed to ensuring that the community is not harmed by its activities, and continues to benefit positively from its operations through various community projects focused on alleviating poverty and aligned with government policies, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030. 

The mine has spent USD 3 million to December 2022 on community projects and conservation partnerships, including: 

• Rehabilitation of the 18.7km road connecting Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s chiefdoms from Kandole to Kafwaya village in Lufwanyama district 
• Construction of the Nkana Health Centre 
• Construction and equipping of a new Chapula Secondary School 
• Construction of new buildings at Chapula Primary School 
• Building of teachers’ accommodation at Kapila Primary School 
• Construction of new buildings at Masasa Primary School 
• Support for the Blessings, Kafwaya, Kapila Green Farms, Nkana, Matafwali, Tweende and Twasanta farming associations 
• Improvements to Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s palaces 
• Previous partnership with the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) providing USD 150,000 over three years 
• One-off donation of USD 70,000 to North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) 
• Previous partnerships with the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) providing USD 345,00 to sponsor students from the geological and mining engineering departments at the School of Mines at UNZA and CBU over a period of eight years 
• Pledge of USD 220,000 to support Lumpuma Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society farming initiative.  
• Kagem has renewed its support for the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) providing USD 250,000 over a five-year partnership.  
• Kagem has renewed its partnership with both the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA), committing to new scholarship programmes totalling USD 345,000.  
• Kagem currently provides 1,250 direct jobs, with 93% of the workforce coming from local communities. 

About Kagem Mining
Kagem Mining Ltd, based in Lufwanyama, is believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine. Kagem is 75% owned by Gemfields, in a model partnership with the Zambian government.
Kagem aims to emulate the values of Gemfields and operate in a way that contributes positively to the national economy, while taking a leading role in modernising the coloured gemstone sector and building sustainable livelihoods for the communities around the mine. Kagem believes that coloured gemstones should be mined and marketed by championing three key values –  transparency, legitimacy and integrity. 
Gemfields is a world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones. In addition to Kagem, Gemfields is the operator and 75% owner of Montepuez Ruby Mining in Mozambique (at one of the most significant recently discovered ruby deposits in the world), as well as bulk sampling licences in Ethiopia, amongst others.   
Gemfields has developed a proprietary grading system and a pioneering auction and trading platform to provide a consistent supply of coloured gemstones to the global jewellery market. 
Fabergé – an iconic name with an exceptional heritage – is a member of the Gemfields Group. The beauty of Fabergé’s designs and craftsmanship, helps to raise consumer awareness of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones.
As well as supplying a significant share of the world’s rough rubies and emeralds, Gemfields initiates activations to build desire for coloured gemstones: for example, collaborations with international jewellery brands and other creative partners. Often surprising, unexpected and unique, these collaborations are chosen to promote consumer awareness and increase the appeal of coloured gemstones, raising their profile, and, in turn, providing greater benefit to their place of origin in Africa. 

Gemfields: Gemfields.com | Investors | Foundation  | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Fabergé: Fabergé.com | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Kagem Mining: LinkedIn
Montepuez Ruby Mining: LinkedIn