Gemfields said that its Kagem emerald mine in Zambia will recommence focused open-pit mining to enhance the recovery of premium emeralds. Following a strategic suspension of all mining activities announced on 23 December 2024, Kagem shifted its focus to processing ore from its stockpile. While 2025 emerald production has met carat recovery expectations, the proportion of higher-quality or premium emeralds has been lower than that achieved through direct open-pit mining methods.
Buoyed by robust results from its recent commercial-quality emerald auction on 30 April 2025, Kagem’s management has gained confidence in the current emerald market. As a result, the company has decided to resume mining at two key production points in the Chama pit, employing minimal waste mining techniques to target premium emeralds for future high-quality auctions.
The decision to fully scale up mining operations will be subject to ongoing evaluations based on market conditions.