Message Mer 24 Juil 2013 17:01

Gemstone company begins ops

STANDARD Gemstone Company Limited, a firm revamped by the Government to cut and process gemstones, has started operations in Ndola with an initial capital injection of K2 million.
The firm was re-established through the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) and has commenced operations with a workforce of 25 people who are graduates from the Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre (GPLTC) in Ndola.
All the employees at the firm are trained with skills in gemstone cutting and polishing.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Richard Musukwa said in an interview yesterday that the company was up and running to contribute to the value-addition chain of emeralds in Zambia and stimulate wealth and employment creation in the country’s gemstone sector.
“In setting up this company, Government has put in place a mechanism that is intended for all players in the gemstone sector to participate and contribute to its growth,” Mr Musukwa said.
He said with the firm operating effectively, Zambia would have a basis for attracting investors and the international market to buy gemstones from the country.
Mr Musukwa added that the Government wanted more people to be trained and acquire skills to carry out duties in gemstone processing.
Government will continue to put in place proper controls to ensure there was enough value-addition to all the minerals that are mined in Zambia.