The first ever worldwide gathering of emerald producing countries and other players associated with the emerald trade will be held in Bogota, Colombia from October 13 to 15, according to information received from the International Coloredstone Association (ICA).

The official organisers of the conference are: the Ministry of Mines of Colombia; Agencias Nacional e Mineria ANM (National Mining Agency); Fedesmeraldas (the Colombian Emerald Federation); ACODES (the Emerald Exporters Association); APRECOL (the Colombian Emerald Miners Association); and ASOCOESMERAL (the Colombia Emerald Dealers Association).

The conference will provide a comprehensive analysis of all elements of the emerald industry across the overall supply chain from mine to market.

The issues will be addressed by high-level experts from governments and the gemstone industry from a range of relevant countries, and there will also be discussions and working groups looking at the promotion of emeralds and addressing industry challenges.

An organized visit of delegates to the emerald mine in Muzo and surrounding area will take place on October 16.

The countries invited to attend the conference include Zambia, Brazil, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Madagascar. In addition, all relevant players are being invited, including governments, the private sector, civil society and all sectors of the emerald mining and manufacturing industry.

Photo: Israel’s Diamond District