Gemfields partners with Luwire Wildlife Conservancy

Mozambique’s Luwire Wildlife Conservancy and Gemfields have formed a partnership focused on preserving Luwire’s biodiversity and assisting communities.

Gemfields’ work at the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia (believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine) and the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique has seen Africa become the world’s largest exporter of emeralds and rubies.

The company’s approach to transparency means that the host nations in Africa today see greater value from their gemstone resources remaining in-country, it said.

Gemfields said is committed to furthering transparency, legitimacy and integrity in the colored gemstone business and believes that colored gemstones should create a positive impact for the countries and communities from which they originate. Gemfields said it has established a track record of improving healthcare, education, agriculture and livelihoods for the communities around its mines and of supporting conservation efforts to protect Africa’s wildlife and biodiversity.

“Today, more emerald- and ruby-derived value than ever accrues to our host countries in Mozambique and Zambia,” Gemfield’s CEO Sean Gilbertson said in a media release. “We see an undeniable connection between Africa’s minerals and biodiversity and the interconnecting relationship with local communities. We are delighted to partner with Luwire to really deliver change on the ground in Mozambique.”

Gemfields joins a list of global partners that have recognised the value of Luwire as a global natural asset and the critical role that local communities play in preserving that asset,” said Luwire chairman Paul Buckley.

Gemfields’ initial focus will be on a number of Luwire’s nature-based businesses, which are critical for sustainably empowering local communities, he said.