The Zambian government has invested US$167.5mn in biometric technology at the Kagem emerald mine in Lufwanyama, helping to tighten security
The new equipment aims to minimise theft of the precious gemstones and thus increase turnover, enabling the company to boost profits and invest further in the development of the mine, which is owned by Gemfields Plc in partnership with the Zambian Government.
“Since Gemfields took over the operation of the mine in 2008 and it has turned Kagem into a profit-making business that has paid taxes, royalties and dividends to the government for the first time in its history,” said Kagem chairman William B Nyirenda.
“These additional security measures will further strengthen the company and ensure we continue to grow, for the benefit of the shareholders, the country and the communities in which we work.”
The biometric system – the first of its kind in Zambia’s gemstone sector - allows fingerprint recognition that will enable workers to clock-in more efficiently, and control access to the various sections of the mine and processing facilities to ensure more widespread security throughout the premises.
“These new measures have been put in place to not only create a safer, more secure working environment but also to have smoother running of operations,” said Nyirenda.
Nawa Mutumweno
