Gemstone miner Gemfields, which operates the Kagem mine, in Zambia, and the Montepuez ruby mine, in Mozambique, has identified “huge potential” to market Zambia’s responsibly-sourced emeralds to consumers in China, the miner reveals in its first report on coloured gemstones in China.
The report, titled ‘Sustainability: The Future of Coloured Gemstones in China’ reveals that now is the time to seize the opportunity of meeting Chinese consumers’ expectations of corporate responsibility and sustainability.
It also shows that up to 35% of Chinese jewellery owners plan to buy rubies, and 25% hope to acquire emeralds in the near future, pointing to an opportunity for the coloured gemstone industry if pieces are correctly marketed.
The Kagem mine is owned in partnership with the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation. According to the miner, all proceeds from the sale of Kagem’s emeralds are repatriated back to Zambia, generating tax revenue for the government, as well as employment and associated economic growth.