The Zimbaqua gem mine is empowering women from a rural community in Zimbabwe to become financially independent in a male-dominated industry
email rounding up the latestMining companies working with villagers in harsh environments can occasionally create opportunities for growth and empowerment. And the small band of women digging pits an hour’s drive from the nondescript town of Karoi in Zimbabwe, may be one such example. They are leading an economic revolution at Zimbaqua — which the company claims is Africa’s first sustainable all-female mine.
So, Rosenkrantz and Zindoga set out to change that. They first secured a mining licence for 50 hectares of land and then began recruiting workers for the Zimbaqua mine in 2019. Artisanal mining accounts for more than 80 per cent of the minerals mined in Africa, says Rosenkrantz, a lawyer-turned-gemmologist and entrepreneur. Since its opening, Zimbaqua has mined nearly 50 tonnes of industrial aquamarine, 50 tonnes of beryl, and 5 tonnes of quartz, among other minerals. “Finding gem-quality aquamarine isn’t as easy as people think. I know of other mines that have produced far less than we have at Zimbaqua,” says Rosenkrantz.
Jewellery designers are rallying around Zimbaqua in an effort to connect directly with the source of the semi-precious stones. They are keen to keep things as transparent as possible. Among them is Felix Köck, managing director at Vienna-based jewellery brand Von Köck, who uses Zimbaqua’s aquamarines to craft luxury jewels and bespoke pieces for his clients.
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