FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Kagem marks four years without Lost Time Injury (LTI)
KITWE, ZAMBIA – In an historic first, Kagem Mining Limited (Kagem) has been recognised by the Minerals Regulation Commission for the achievement of Four (4) Years without Lost Time Injury.
Director – Mine Inspections and Audits, Minerals Regulation Commission, Engineer Elite L. Mhone commended the mine on its solid and exemplary safety record, “Four years without Lost Time Injury is not an easy achievement, and it requires deliberate and consistent planning, review, and follow-through.”
“As Zambia looks to accelerate development and strengthen its economic standing, increased productivity in the mining sector, as with other sectors, will be paramount to achieving its goals. This, however, must not come at the expense of our workers, and I am happy to see organisations in the mining space such as Kagem successfully modelling out health and safety in the workplace,” he said.
Kagem Board Chair, Dr Sixtus Mulenga, receiving the award on behalf of Kagem, alluded to the complex and challenging nature of mining, stating that: “The award means so much to us, not just as an accolade but because it represents the safety of our employees who have been able to return to their families after each shift, and who, through their productivity, have contributed to the economic well-being of Zambia.”
In its endeavour for a ‘zero harm’ culture and Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours, Kagem conducts ongoing comprehensive training programmes in health and safety and has implemented stringent health and safety protocols that cut across its operations.
Dr Mulenga reiterated that the mine’s ability to balance its productivity and operational efficiencies with a view to responsibly mining world-class emeralds highly depended on taking on a people-first approach. “As we celebrate this four-year milestone, we are reminded that mining is a challenging industry. However, we have and continue to navigate this complex landscape by relentlessly pursuing excellence in safety, driven by a culture of people caring about people, and a commitment to continual improvement.”
In May of 2025, Kagem was recognised by the Mines Safety Department under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for achieving over 10 million Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours.
Kagem has received similar recognitions in the past, with the mine being awarded the ‘Best Mine in Safety’ by the Zambia Chamber of Mines (2024); and by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary (2025). Kagem was also the first recipient of the ‘Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary’s Award trophy’ – in recognition of its strong safety record (2024).
Kagem’s Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Benedict Bukoka, noted that the four-year Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours achievement has been a collective effort with each employee playing their role to uphold the zero-harm culture and maintain the safety standards in place.
“Kagem will continue to reinforce our commitment to a culture of safety, health, and well-being that goes beyond just compliance. To us, this award is a reminder that no gemstone is more precious than the people who mine them.”
Kagem has furthermore achieved ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Management System.
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Gillian Langmead
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About Kagem Mining Limited
Kagem Mining Limited (“Kagem”), based in Lufwanyama, is a world-leading emerald mine. Kagem is operated and 75% owned by Gemfields, in partnership with the Zambian government’s International Development Corporation (“IDC”).
Gemfields is a world-leading miner of coloured gemstones. In addition to Kagem, Gemfields is the operator and 75% owner of Montepuez Ruby Mining in Mozambique (situated on one of the most significant recently discovered ruby deposits in the world).
Gemfields introduced a proprietary grading system and pioneering auction platform, which have transformed the coloured gemstone industry. Today, the company implements and invests in industry-leading policies, practices and infrastructure across its operations; aligns with relevant industry standards to underpin its responsible approach; plays an active role in working groups to modernise the sector; and raises the profile of African gems through its global marketing efforts.
Gemfields funds projects to improve health, education and livelihoods for communities around its mines, supports local conservation partners and created the Gemfields Foundation, its charitable arm, which magnifies the scale of the work already carried out by Gemfields itself.
Gemfields and Kagem value transparency, legitimacy and integrity and believe that coloured gemstones should create a positive impact for the countries and communities from which they originate.
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