The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia has observed the need to auction the newly discovered emerald called Inkalamu locally.
Kagem Mining has discovered an exceptionally rare high quality 5,655 carat weighing one point one three kilogram emerald crystal at its mine in Lufwanyama mine.
Association President Victor Kalesha tells Money FM News that it is pleasing that Zambia is endowed with a lot of natural resources.
Mr. Kalesha notes that if well utilized, the national resources can help transform the country.
He is strongly appealing to the government as a shareholder of Kagem Mine to engage the mining firm to consider auctioning the newly discovered emerald locally as this will earn the country some money.
“If the emerald is auctioned locally, the buyers will come to Zambia and we in the emerald sector and other small scale miners can interact with them as this can help us in our mining activities,” he said.
Mr. Kalesha states that this can also help promote Zambia’s tourism sector as buyers who will come to buy the mineral can also take time to sample Zambia’s tourist attractions.