Gemfields to resume full emerald production at Kagem Mine after suspending operations in January

Gemfields Group has reportedly announced plans to soon restart full-scale emerald production at its Kagem Mine in Zambia, after halting full mining operations earlier this year.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said it would shortly recommence targeted open-pit mining to recover higher-quality emeralds.

“As announced on December 23, 2024, alongside other cost-cutting measures, Kagem suspended all mining from January 1, 2025, to focus on processing ore from Kagem’s significant stockpile using the upgraded processing plant,” the Group stated.

While emerald production from the processing plant has remained in line with expectations in terms of carats recovered, the company claims it has produced a lower proportion of premium-quality stones compared to those recovered via open-pit mining.

Gemfields cited the encouraging results from its latest commercial-quality emerald auction, held on April 30, 2025, as a key factor in its decision to resume mining at two strategic production points within the Chama pit.

“The decision has therefore been taken to recommence mining with minimal waste removal to secure premium emeralds for future high-quality auctions,” the company stated.

Gemfields, however, reportedly indicated that it would continue to assess the feasibility of sustaining full-scale mining operations depending on how market conditions evolve.

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