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FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Kagem: Proudly changing gender stereotypes in mining 

LUFWANYAMA, ZAMBIA – The once unconventional sight of a woman skilfully operating heavy-duty machinery at a mine is now becoming commonplace at Kagem Mining. Kagem is striving towards increased diversity and inclusion within its workforce, changing gender stereotypes in mining.

2022 marked a significant milestone in Kagem’s history when the emerald mine incorporated four female heavy equipment operators into its workforce. The mine has continued its progressive trajectory as it has welcomed a further 11 female operators, with a total of 14 now in this role alone.

Kagem General Manager, Adriaan Prinsloo stated: “Kagem aims to not only promote gender equality, but also to demonstrate our commitment to striving to provide equal opportunities for all. Having more women as heavy machinery operators further diversifies our workforce and brings a fresh perspective to our operations.”

Getting behind the wheel

Joyce, 35, recently took on the role of an articulated dump truck (ADT) operator at the Kagem emerald mine site in Lufwanyama. Her journey embodies the essence of empowerment and opportunity. This is because despite Joyce’s foray into mining beginning seven years ago, it is only now that she has been able to fulfil a lifelong dream of steering the colossal machines.

“From my experience, most companies were wary of a woman wanting to work as an ADT operator. This led to the lack of opportunities for me, and negatively affected my ability to fend for my big family,” she shared.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Tina has been a trained ADT operator since 2015.

“Heavy machines have fascinated me ever since I was little and after graduating from high school, I took a course to learn how to operate them. To my surprise, there were little to no opportunities for me to prove my skills,” Tina explained.

The long wait and determination to stick to what she believed in paid off when she was employed by Kagem and given the opportunity to operate an ADT machine. Her eyes are now set on advancing her career and learning skills to operate other heavy-duty machinery.

A call for more opportunities

As more women venture into non-traditional careers within the mining industry, the need for female-centric training and access to resources becomes increasingly evident.

Esther, a 32-year-old excavator operator at Kagem, emphasised the importance of such resources in encouraging more women to pursue their career path.

Drawing from her personal journey as the only female student in her excavator operating class, Esther succeeded in turning the scepticism she faced at the time, into a driving force towards achieving her goals through sheer grit and determination.

Esther said, “I believe there are many women who are willing to take this path, but may not necessarily have the resources or the support they need to take that leap of faith.”

As these women guide their careers with tenacity, they serve as an example for others on how to overcome obstacles, nurture aspirations, and explore and navigate uncharted territories. 

Training as a key resolve to pursuing quality

At the heart of Kagem’s commitment to staff empowerment lies comprehensive training.

Constance aged 34, is another remarkable woman operating one of Kagem’s ADTs who sees a brighter future for women in mining provided that they have access to resources to expand their knowledge of the industry.

“My family has a history of working in the mining industry and that partly fuelled my desire to join this field. Despite the initial training I received to capitalise on my passion, I found that there was more to operating an ADT. Upon joining Kagem, I received training that opened my eyes to the vast pool of knowledge I was lacking. The training helped me adapt into my new role,” she explained.

Kagem GM, Adriaan Prinsloo added, “Our focus is to provide training to familiarise new staff with the equipment and ensure that they are confident in their abilities behind the wheel.”

Kagem Managing Director, CV Suresh affirmed that “Kagem continues to strive towards supporting the growth of the mining industry in Zambia, and aims to empower more women to join its team across various departments”. CV Suresh added “The mine is simultaneously seeking to create more inclusive opportunities while inspiring future industry players and leaders to bring innovation, diversity and a different perspective to drive the sector forward”.

-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 / +44 (0)7493 237598
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 continues to benefit positively from its operations through various sustainability programmes focused on alleviating poverty and aligned with government policies, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030. 
The mine has spent more than USD 3 million on community projects, 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 Community School
• Support for the Blessing, Kapila Green Farms,Twende and Twasanta projects
• Improvements to Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s palaces
• Provision of USD 345,000 for scholarship programme at the School of Mines at UNZA and CBU 
• Support for the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) of USD 150,000 over three years
• One-off donation of USD 70,000 to the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP)
• 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 has renewed its support for the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) providing USD 250,000 over a five-year partnership. 
• Pledge of USD 220,000 to support Lumpuma Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society farming initiative.
• Kagem signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Zambia to fund the construction of the Chapula Vocational Training Centre in Lufwanyama which is estimated to cost ZMW 52,750,000 (USD 2.5 million).
• Construction of classroom block & computer lab at Kapila Primary School by Kagem & Gemfields Foundation.

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