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OCTOBER 30, 2025

Kagem Awarded “Best Mine in Safety” by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for the Second Year in a Row

Ndola, Zambia – Today, Kagem Mining Limited (“Kagem”) was presented the “Best Mine in Safety” award by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Dr Hapenga M. Kabeta. Receiving the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary’s Safety Award for the second year in a row underscores Kagem’s position as a benchmark for safety in an industry known for its operational risks.

The award was received by the Chairman of the Board at Kagem, Dr Sixtus Mulenga  and the General Manager at Kagem, Adriaan Prinsloo, during the 9th National Conference on Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) – themed Innovative Solutions to Zero Harm: Technology and HSE – hosted by the Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) in Ndola.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Hapenga M. Kabeta, said: “I wish to reiterate the government’s commitment in fostering a safe, sustainable, and technologically driven mining and industrial sector. We will continue to support initiatives that promote the best in health, safety, and environment management while ensuring that we strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

Through these efforts, government aims to achieve the vision of ‘zero-harm’ where every worker operates in a secure environment and ensure that mining activities contribute meaningfully to the national development while sustaining lives, communities and the environment. Promoting safety within the mining industry is not only a moral and legal obligation but also a key driver of sustainable development and investor confidence,” he emphasised.

The Chairman of the Board at Kagem, Dr Sixtus Mulenga, said: “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of every individual at our mine site and operations, and is testament to our culture of striving for continuous improvement.” He added, “We do not take such milestones lightly nor for granted in our industry, as the health and safety of our employees is our highest priority. Striving for a ‘zero harm’ culture goes beyond safety records, and every day without incident is something to be grateful and proud of.”

In May 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 since surpassed 11.5 million LTI-free hours.

Kagem’s Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality, Benedict Bukoka, applauded the coming together of the mining community to engage in knowledge exchange and reinforce the importance of constant reviewing of safety cultures and systems in the workplace. He said: “At Kagem, we believe that the adoption of Vision Zero and a ‘zero harm’ culture in mining will continue to change the trajectory and perspective of safety and health in Zambia’s mining sector for the better. Achieving and sustaining this goal will require the deployment of every tool available to us, including existing and emerging technologies – as highlighted at this year’s conference – as well as frequent training and checks of our systems and procedures, and updating policies and measures.”

Kagem’s ongoing commitment to safety and its consistent zero-injury record reinforce its reputation as a leader in safe mining practices within Zambia’s mining sector.

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About Kagem Mining

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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