Sourcing

Zambian Tax Authority Raids Gemfields Emerald Mine

SourcingAug 21, 2018

Zambian Tax Authority Raids Gemfields Emerald Mine

The governmental body had two search warrants that allowed it to seize documents and files allegedly connected to tax evasion.

2017_Gemfields-Kagem_copy.jpg
Gemfields said the Zambia Revenue Authority served two warrants on Kagem Mining Limited and Limpopo Polygraphs, allowing it to seize documents and files. Pictured here is the Kagem mining site.

London—Gemfields reported that the Zambia Revenue Authority has launched an investigation into alleged tax evasion at its Kagem emerald mine.

The colored stone miner said the governmental body served two search warrants during an unannounced visit to Kagem Mining Limited on Thursday.

The authority issued the warrants on Kagem Mining Limited and Limpopo Polygraphs, a South African company that conducts periodic polygraph testing at the site and currently has a representative there.

Revenue authorities have seized a range of documents and files, including those allegedly “used by Kagem Mine Ltd/Limpopo Polygraphs CC to evade the payment of Value Added Tax, income tax, with-holding tax and other taxes.”

Gemfields said it will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The company holds a 75 percent stake in the Kagem emerald mine.

This news is the latest in a number of problems for the colored gemstone miner this year.

In late June, a large mob overran Gemfields’ emerald exploration site in Ethiopia. A month later, members of that same mob looted the site and stole emeralds from the safe in the sort house.

Earlier this year, a group of Mozambicans hit the colored stone company with a lawsuit regarding alleged human rights abuses at the Montepuez ruby mine, a case that is still making its way through the London court system.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Cartoon witch and black cat with cauldron and jewelry in bubbles
EditorsOct 24, 2024
From a Witch to Wednesday: The Best Jewelry to Wear With Your Halloween Costume

For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.

Jewelry from Boucheron
FinancialsOct 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands ‘More Resilient’ Than Other Luxury Goods in Q3

Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.

JA Show entrance
Events & AwardsOct 24, 2024
JA New York Fall Show Announces Education Lineup

The education offerings include a diamond cutting demonstration, a session with JVC President Sara Yood, and a seminar on AI.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Phillip Gavriel 2024-2025 Catalog
MajorsOct 24, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Releases 2024-2025 Catalog

The book features new styles and revived favorites.

Weekly QuizOct 24, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Pnina Tornai New York Bridal Fashion Week
EditorsOct 23, 2024
The Modern Bride’s Approach to Wedding-Day Jewelry

Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 23, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Jade Trau and Harrods pop-up shop
IndependentsOct 23, 2024
Jade Trau Sails Overseas

The New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.

20241023_Bruce Wayne Kryptonite header 1.jpg
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
See Scott West Jewelry’s ‘Kryptonite’ and ‘Joker’ Rings

They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.

Timex Waterbury 170th anniversary edition watch
WatchesOct 23, 2024
How to Get a Timex Watch for $1

The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.

Model wearing Daystar earrings and Ouche necklace
CollectionsOct 23, 2024
Robinson Pelham Releases New Jewels Just in Time for the Holidays

The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.

17.97-Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring
AuctionsOct 22, 2024
Phillips to Auction Rare 18-Carat Burmese Ruby

The auction house said the gemstone could fetch up to $5.5 million at next month’s sale.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsOct 22, 2024
The Smart Lab: Tips for Preparing for Your Best Q4 Yet

From prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.

Priya Raj
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2024
WJA Foundation Names First Winner of Hedda Schupak Scholarship

Journalist Priya Raj plans to use the scholarship funds to further her media qualifications and amplify marginalized communities.

WNBA Finals Championship trophy and Tiffany & Co. basketball
MajorsOct 22, 2024
WNBA Champions New York Liberty Take Home Tiffany & Co. Trophy

It marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Fort Smith Arkansas
IndependentsOct 22, 2024
Sissy’s Log Cabin To Open Seventh Store

The Arkansas-based jeweler’s first store in the state’s northwest region is set to open next year.

Stock image of rough diamonds
SourcingOct 21, 2024
De Beers to List Single Country of Origin for Some of Its Diamonds

It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.

Pandora Stranger Things campaign
CollectionsOct 21, 2024
Pandora Turns Things Upside Down in New ‘Stranger Things’ Collection

The capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.

Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch Necklace
AuctionsOct 18, 2024
Piece of the Week: Babe Paley’s Clip-Brooch Necklace

The New York socialite’s elegant, transformable piece from the 1960s is headed to auction later this month.

20241018_Appraising lab grown diamonds webinar.jpg
Recorded WebinarsOct 18, 2024
Watch: 2 Experts on the Challenges of Appraising Lab-Grown Diamonds

Texas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.

Retiring JSA President John Kennedy
CrimeOct 18, 2024
The End of an Era: John Kennedy Reflects On 32 Years at JSA

On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.

Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 17, 2024
Retailer Hall of Fame 2024: Gina Drosos

Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.

Shirley Bassey’s Cartier Baignoire watch
AuctionsOct 17, 2024
Shirley Bassey’s ‘Baignoire’ Breaks Auction Record

Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.

Alan Hodgkinson
GradingOct 17, 2024
Renowned Gemologist and Author Alan Hodgkinson Dies at 87

He dedicated his life to researching, writing, and speaking about gemstones in the hope he could inspire others to share his passion.

Ethical Gem Fair Brooklyn
Policies & IssuesOct 17, 2024
Ethical Gem Fair Returns to Brooklyn

The event is slated for Oct. 17-19.

Travelers on Gem Legacy Adventures Trip
SourcingOct 17, 2024
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2025 Trip

12 spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy