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Gemfields, the majority owner of Kagem Mining Limited, has reportedly praised the Zambian government for swiftly suspending the 15 percent export duty on precious gemstones and metals.
The decision, enacted through Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2025, was announced by Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, on Tuesday evening.
The suspension follows industry criticism, particularly from Gemfields, which had halted emerald sales after the government reintroduced the export duty on January 1, 2025.
In December 2024, Kagem Mining Limited also announced a six-month suspension of mining operations at its Lufwanyama mine, citing an oversupply of Zambian emeralds at discounted prices and conflicting auction dates among local producers.
Read more: Gemfields halts emerald sales over Zambia’s reintroduced 15% export tax
Gemfields Chief Executive Officer, Sean Gilbertson, welcomed government’s intervention, calling it a clear demonstration of its commitment to economic growth and job creation.
“We express our sincere thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema’s government for their prompt and impressive action in addressing the 15 percent export duty on precious gemstones.
“The Zambian emerald sector has delivered phenomenal growth over the last 16 years and is today—by a significant margin—the world’s largest emerald exporter,” Gilbertson said in a statement titled “Zambia Update: 15 percent Export Duty Suspended.”
Association of Zambian Women in Mining (AZWIM) President, Namakau Kaingu, also commended the decision, describing it as a testament to government’s responsiveness and commitment to a thriving mining sector.
“The export tax introduced in the 2025 budget has unfortunately exacerbated the challenges faced by emerald miners, who are dealing with low market prices. This tax has not promoted local sales but has instead hindered operations, leading to economic losses and putting jobs at risk,” Kaingu said.
She emphasized that removing the tax would ease pressure on the gemstone industry, which already contributes through Mineral Royalty Taxes and Income Taxes. “This additional taxation has been counterproductive,” she added.
The removal of the duty is expected to stabilize the industry and support continued investment in Zambia’s gemstone sector.
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