7 April 2023
Mozambique-Zambia business forum highlights the achievements of MRM and Kagem
The presidents of Mozambique and Zambia praised the social and economic impact that the mining sector has had on their nations at a joint conference in Beira in April.
Intended to facilitate trade and investment and to strengthen partnership between Mozambique and Zambia, the business forum saw presentations from the two mining companies – both majority-owned and operated by Gemfields – in front of presidents, His Excellency, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique and His Excellency, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.
Mozambique and Zambia are now the top exporters of coloured gemstones, and this event was an excellent opportunity for MRM and Kagem to share with the leaders of their host countries their ambitious plans – and the steps they have already taken – to ensure that their profits make a real difference to the lives of people in the local communities around the mines.
It was the first time that the president of Mozambique, one of the world’s largest ruby producers, and the president of Zambia, the world’s single largest emerald producer, had met to discuss the relevance of the mining sector to their respective countries.
Both presidents were full of praise for the efforts of the two mining companies – who have, together, contributed USD 8.5 million in projects to benefit local communities, on top of the unprecedented contribution, amounting to USD 371 million, that coloured gemstones have made to both countries in taxes, royalties and dividends.
After visiting the MRM and Kagem stand at the forum, President Nyusi commented how good it was to see young people – who represent the future of the industry – fronting the event, which he described as critical for enhancing communication between gemstone-producing nations. “Knowledge-sharing in the mining sector is crucial. With the necessary knowledge, the sector can generate major income and improve the lives of our communities,” he said.
“We visited Gemfields’ stand, and I am sure that you are proud that Zambia is the leading producer of emeralds, overtaking Colombia, and that Mozambique is also a leader on ruby production,” said President Hichilema, addressing Gemfields, which operates the two mines with local partners.
A world-leading responsible miner and marketer of coloured gemstones, Gemfields strives to be the partner of choice for African host governments wanting to make the most of their coloured gemstone resources.