Emerald producer Kagem Mining, majority-owned by Gemfields (75%) with a 25% stake held by the Zambian government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has concluded the 2026/27 collective bargaining agreement for its unionized workforce. Under this new agreement, employees will receive a 10% salary increase this year, followed by an additional 10% increment in 2027.
Negotiations between Kagem management and both the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and the National Union of Miners & Allied Workers (NUMAW) also resulted in the implementation of a thirteenth salary cheque, equivalent to 100% of monthly basic pay, to be issued in December in place of a Christmas bonus, along with other positive adjustments.
Kagem management expressed satisfaction at reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with employees and their unions, emphasizing that this outcome will support continued productive operations at the mine in the coming year.
Kagem General Manager Adriaan Prinsloo noted on January 19 that the increment is expected to have a beneficial impact not only on employees and their families but also on surrounding communities and the wider region, as Kagem continues to produce high-quality emeralds that contribute to the national economy.
NUMAW President Saul Simujika commended Kagem management for maintaining an open-door policy and fostering ongoing dialogue and engagement with stakeholders, encouraging the company to sustain these practices.
