KARIBA AMETHYST
Overview of Zambia
Zambia is a major source of gemstones for the world’s jewelry market. In November 2007, Zambia won the Mining Journal’s Country Award for its expanding mineral production, transparent mining law, excellent infrastructure, and improved corporate governance.
Politically, Zambia has maintained amicable relations with its neighboring countries, resulting in continued stability. It is a member of the Southern African Development Community and has had four consecutive democratically elected governments over the past 16 years. No government has been overthrown by a coup d’état, and the risk of armed conflict is low. Zambia’s exports are sent to ports in neighboring countries via railway. Investment in Zambia’s road network has been scaled up since the launch of a ten-year US$1 billion investment program in 1998.
Over the years, Kariba Minerals has developed a unique grading system. The amethysts are carefully sorted and graded by a skilled workforce, using stringent quality control measures. This has established our amethyst as a premium brand known as KARIBA AMETHYST. Our product is in great demand among both manufacturers and wholesalers as the quality of our materials is becoming increasingly apparent. Presently, the company exports mainly to China and India, but we also have clients in Europe and America.
Company
Kariba Minerals has long been a reliable source of high-quality amethyst for major manufacturers of gemstones and related products. The company’s market share is estimated at over 90% of the amethyst originating from Zambia, and we are arguably the largest single amethyst producer in the world. Presently, the company exports mainly to China and India, but we have clients in Europe and America as well.
Community
The Mapatizya mine has been in operation in the Kalomo district region for over thirty years, producing amethyst that is widely recognized for its high quality. Worldwide, it is one of the oldest mines for semi-precious stones and one of the largest sources of quality amethysts. Kariba Minerals is well aware that mining operations have a direct impact on the daily lives of the local people, and therefore the company actively participates in the development of the area by training and employing local workers and investing in the development and construction of infrastructure. Kariba’s social responsibility toward our local community is at the heart of our plans.
Kariba is a major economic development stakeholder in the region, and what the local population contributes to the company in the form of labor is reinvested in the community.
Infrastructure
A number of facilities have been built to foster improved quality of life for the community. A new police station was opened recently. Schools have been built to provide children from 6 to 16 with access to quality elementary school education. Since workplace health and safety is an important issue for Kariba Minerals, the company financed the construction of a hospital centre. The hospital treats number of people every day and provides the entire local community with access to fast, effective medical care. The roads and bridges are regularly maintained by Kariba Minerals. The company supports the construction and upkeep of small dams to assist in local subsistence farming. Kariba also drills and maintains wells to ensure that the people have access to potable water.
Job creation
In addition to the 350 workers who work in the mine, Kariba Minerals has helped create several dozen jobs related to infrastructure construction and operation. Over 3000 people have been supported directly or indirectly by the mine for many years.
AUDITORS
BDO Zambia Ltd
P O Box 30030
LUSAKA
SECRETARIES
Mr. Richard Luhanga
Post Net Box 485
P/Bag E.891
Manda Hill
LUSAKA
BANKERS
Standard Chartered
Main Branch
P O Box 32238
LUSAKA