By BUUMBA CHIMBULU ZAMBIA, the world’s second largest emerald producer after Colombia, has suffered a significant setback in emerald mining, following the decision by Gemfields to halt the sale of emeralds from its Kagem Mine in protest against the 15 percent export tax which was reintroduced this year on January 1. Gemfields, the majority owner of Kagem Mining Limited, last month highly criticised the Zambian government’s decision to reintroduce a 15 percent export duty on emeralds, effective January 1, 2025, citing the absence of prior notice or consultation. Zambia first implemented the 15 percent export duty in early 2019. It was later scrapped on January 1, 2020, following industry pressure. “Kagem has paused mining from the start of 2025 as previously announced, utilising its upgraded wash plant to process its significant stockpiles. Emerald exports are, since January 1, 2025, paused while Zambia’s reintroduced 15 percent export duty remains in place. Kagem anticipates that the duty […]
Gemfields halts emerald sales
