JNA Awards 2020 - Jewellery Industry Best Practices

102 JNA AWARDS • 2020 The Muzo Companies A mine-to-market business, The Muzo Companies of Colombia controls all aspects of its emerald production chain, not only to accurately assess the quality of its gemstones but to ensure that they are ethically and responsibly sourced. More importantly, this two-time Honouree at the JNA Awards 2020 strives to effect positive change on the lives of its partner communities through worthwhile causes that are outside of its mining operations. For many years, Colombia’s emerald mining industry was marred by green wars and violence. It is a stigma that Muzo tries to change, in response to its customers’ growing clamour for transparency and provenance. “We strive to change the emerald business. Upon entering the market in 2009, we have established new partnerships with the government, complied with all the legal requirements and always employed responsible practices,” says Charles Burgess, President of The Muzo Companies Colombia. Transparency is a word that the group does not take lightly. In 2016, Muzo invested in innovations that enhanced its control, monitoring and traceability programme for emeralds. The investment also improved the company’s operational efficiency and supported the integration of business units and all its processes. Chief among these innovations is the use of the JD Edwards system across all macro-processes. The technology makes it possible to barcode each stone and track every step of its journey – culminating in the issuance of the sought-after Emerald Certificates, not simply as a seal of authenticity but of ethical operations. Through its Esmeraldas Mining Services (EMS), Muzo also modernised its infrastructure, such as when it created a drivable spiral ramp that resulted in the faster and safer transportation of its products to the frontlines. “With this pioneering technology, we are able to protect Categories: Industry Innovation of the Year – Customer Engagement Sustainability Initiative of the Year Country / Region: Colombia 1 2