ESMAZ URGES GOVT TO IMPLEMENT 20% EMERALD RETENTION, CALLS FOR SEPARATE GEMSTONE POLICY UNDER GROW ZAMBIA AGENDA

Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has called on government to move quickly from policy pronouncements to action if Zambia’s emerald sector is to become a key driver of the Grow Zambia agenda ESMAZ President Victor Kalesha said while the Agenda presents a timely opportunity for economic diversification, the emerald sector will […]

Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has called on government to move quickly from policy pronouncements to action if Zambia’s emerald sector is to become a key driver of the Grow Zambia agenda

ESMAZ President Victor Kalesha said while the Agenda presents a timely opportunity for economic diversification, the emerald sector will only deliver if growth is “inclusive, progressive, and empowering especially for small-scale miners.”

Kalesha reminded government of a directive made two years ago during the PPDF meeting, where President Hakainde Hichilema pronounced that 20% of Zambian emeralds should remain in the country for cutting and polishing.

“To date, this Presidential directive has not been implemented. Enforcing it will create skilled jobs, retain more revenue in-country, and ensure Zambian stones fetch international prices,”he said.
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He added that without local beneficiation, Zambia continues to export jobs and revenue, with most rough emeralds shipped to India, China, Israel, and Germany for processing.

ESMAZ commended the government for starting the formalization process in the ASM gold sector but urged that the same be extended to emeralds and other development minerals.

The association also cited insecurity in mining areas, lack of finance, and limited access to geological data as key barriers to production.

A major concern, Kalesha said, is that gemstones are currently governed under the same policy framework as copper and cobalt.

“What the gemstone sector urgently needs is a separate, dedicated Gemstone Policy. Gemstone mining is unique and uses different mining methods. Lumping us with base metals has left the sector behind,” he added.

Francis Chipalo
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