• Kagem Mine in Lufwanyama will reopen next week almost a year after it suspended operations due to COVID-19.
• Mining firm to procure government approved COVID-19 vaccines for its workers.
• Company successfully held an online emerald mini auction in the last quarter of 2020.
Kagem Mine, the world’s largest emerald producer has announced the resumption of its operations next week, almost a year after it suspended mining due to COVID-19.
Board Chairman, Dr. Sixtus Mulenga told Money FM News that management has procured Rapid COVID-19 testing kits to test all employees before reopening operations.
‘‘Management has also procured and installed thermal body temperature reading cameras for automatic detection of body temperature for all employees and contractors entering the mine,’’ he said.
Dr. Mulenga said that mining firm will also purchase vaccines for its employees as soon as government approves the vaccine type to be used in Zambia.
‘’Kagem will also look to equip the Nkana Health Centre with the necessary provisions to treat COVID-19 in the event that any of the employees contract the disease and require further medical attention,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulenga revealed that future revenue remains uncertain as the company is unable to provide reliable guidance on when it might return to its regular auction format and schedule due to COVID-19.
He however said that Kagem successfully held mini-auctions in the last quarter of 2020 via an online auction platform.
‘‘This pilot project was successful in that it generated some income which will assist Kagem in restarting its principal operations, ‘’ Dr. Mulenga said.
