Gemstones supplier Gemfields is partnering with National Geographic to lift the veil on vital projects supported by Gemfields in Africa, benefiting both communities and conservation.

Gemfields’ gemstone mining operations in Zambia and Mozambique provide a significant benefit to these African countries, not only through a substantial tax contribution to the national economy, but in the support they offer to additional projects chosen for the difference they make in protecting Africa’s rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Gemfields operates the Kagem emerald mine, in Lufwanyama, in partnership with the Zambian government, which owns 25%. The company also operates the Montepuez ruby mine, in Mozambique, in which it has a 75% stake; Mozambique mining company Mwiriti Limitada owns 25%.

The two short films created through the collaboration follow National Geographic photographer and filmmaker Shannon Wild as she explores the communities and environments benefiting from projects supported by Gemfields.

The first film –based in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, highlights the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP), which studies large carnivores and addresses threats to them and their ecosystem, to assist their survival.

The second film explores Mozambique community projects which are in the immediate vicinity of Gemfields’ ruby mine in Montepuez, in the Cabo Delgado province. The film takes an inside look at three of Gemfields’ projects, including a primary school, mobile health clinic and a farming association.

On her visit, Wild notes that “it’s been a real eye-opener for me to see how Gemfields is trying to give back to the local community: it’s making a world of difference”.

wo mobile health clinics in Mozambique serve six remote villages of about 10 000 people.

Gemfields has also created nine farming associations – two of which are run by women – in Mozambique, providing training in agricultural techniques such as crop rotation, pest control and conservation farming, as well as teaching the community how to manage these projects autonomously.