Gemfields Mining Limited has announced plans to develop an emerald mine in Luano District ahead of the Central Province Investment Forum and Expo.

The revelation comes following a successful completion of exploration works for the precious mineral.

The London Stock Exchange-listed company has since invited comments from stakeholders including local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations in the remote district on the multimillion dollar project.

Gemfields Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Manager Kwanga Miyanza said the project is an important milestone enhancing household economies of the people in Luano.

Mr. Miyanza noted that apart from helping the community through corporate social responsibility projects, the company was set to employ scores of people from the district.

“As part of the environmental and social impact assessment, Gemfields Mining Limited warmly invites government agencies, local authorities, traditional leadership, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, interested parties, affected communities and individuals to a public consultative meeting to scope for the proposed project,” he said.

The first meeting which is in compliance with the Environmental Management Act Number 12 of 2011 would take place at Old Mkushi Primary School and Mpale Basic School on September 20, 2018 as well as at Alick Nkhata Memorial School the following day.

Mr Miyanza said that Gemfields Mining Limited which also owes 75 percent of Kagem Mines had realised that Luano was rich in gemstones.

“Our main area (of interest) is gemstone and wherever we find gemstones, we want to see how we can develop them and in the long run we want to positively contribute to the particular area, I am sure you can see from the way Kagem has contributed to the areas where we are in terms building health and education facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe said the proposed project was a clear demonstration of the region’s endowments in various resources including minerals.

“This is a massive project for us as a province especially as we head towards the provincial Investment Forum and Expo next month and we are confident that it will improve the economy of the people in Luano once it is fully implemented,” he said.

“The project also confirms the investment potential and opportunities in the province and we hope that more and more companies will continue to come forward and invest in this beautiful province.”