GEMSWORLD | 43 | 2023 精辟洞见 industry matters such as traceability and supply chain transparency has actually increased since the lockdowns, noted Gilbertson. Gemfields was a pilot partner of Gubelin’s traceability technology and is firmly committed to the betterment of the communities in which it operates, he said. “Operationally, our Montepuez mine provides stable employment for approximately 1,426 people, 95 per cent of which are Mozambican nationals, receiving salaries above the living wage with working conditions that protect their health and safety. Thousands of additional job opportunities have been created for the local population in terms of the supply chain and services affiliated with the mine,” Gilbertson shared. Gemfields’ community-based initiatives include creating a vocational training centre to help 2,100 young men and women over seven years, funding the construction of schools, establishing mobile health clinics and supporting local villagers during the pandemic. Tonna of Fuli Gemstones notes that sustainability and ethical mining are the coloured gemstone industry’s responsibility to the planet and its inhabitants. “Ourmining operation usesmainly the cut-and-fill method of mining, and almost everything that is extracted from the mine tunnel is repurposed. As well as the gemstones, the basalt rock and olivine sand have various uses in industry. The basalt rock can be used for construction and the olivine sand is an environmentally natural abrasive alternative,” she said. The road ahead According to Gilbertson, Gemfields will continue to consolidate its position as a world-leading miner of responsibly sourced African emeralds, rubies and sapphires. It intends to introduce a second treatment plant at Montepuez, which is set to triple the mine’s production capacity. It also aims to secure an African sapphire licence to complete its ‘Big Three’ portfolio. “Over the past few years, we have taken considerable strides in tailoring our portfolio to reflect our focus on the ‘Big Three’ coloured gemstones: Rubies, emeralds and sapphires, in our preferred origin of Africa. We remain keen to complete the ‘Big Three’ and are currently identifying suitable sapphire opportunities in Africa to complement our thriving ruby and emerald operations,” Gilbertson revealed. Gemfields also aims to expand its marketing activities to boost demand for coloured gemstones and develop the activities of Gemfields Foundation to benefit the communities and conservation efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, he added. Mahenge Gems, for its part, is enjoying brisk business after a substantial slump at the height of the pandemic. Barber recalled that sales were limited during the lockdowns since Mahenge Gems does not sell online and only deals with established regular clients. Business has since picked up significantly, following a strong 2021. “We specialise in Tanzanian and east African stones. Pink and red spinels are always super popular and all markets are on the up. Maybe some other bright colours will be on the menu for 2023, perhaps hot pink Mahenge spinel,” Barber said. Tonna of Fuli Gemstones is bullish on business prospects and prices of peridots moving forward. She noted that peridot prices are on the rise with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.4 per cent from 2010 to 2021 for larger stones. Market demand is also bolstered by jewellers and designers looking beyond emerald, sapphire and ruby for their creations, she added. Gemfields’ Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique Gemfields位于莫桑比克的蒙特普埃兹红宝石矿
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