The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Gemfields Finds Illegal Pits, ‘Modern Slavery’ at Montepuez
It made the discovery after an uptick in pit collapses this year led its subsidiary, Montepuez Ruby Mining, to investigate the site.
London—Gemfields Group said it has discovered unlicensed miners digging for “syndicates” at its Montepuez ruby mine after investigating an uptick in pit collapses this year.
The company said these pit collapses have resulted in “multiple deaths” at the mine so far in 2019, and prompted its subsidiary, Montepuez Ruby Mining, to begin investigating illegal mining activities in the area.
Gemfields said the miners are generally recruited by “well-financed syndicate leaders or middlemen”—though it didn’t elaborate on exactly what was meant by this—who promise wealth through ruby mining.
The miners and/or their families might be asked to pay the syndicates to be allowed the chance to mine and to receive transportation to, as well as food and accommodation in, the Montepuez area. Many of the miners are coming from Nampula in northern Mozambique, Gemfields said, which is nearly 250 miles by road from Montepuez.
When they can’t pay the fees upfront, the syndicates then offer a loan, placing the miner in debt to the syndicate.
The miners are then taken to the pits at Montepuez where they receive tools, food, water and accommodation but are subjected to “abject and highly unsafe conditions,” Gemfields said.
Any gemstones found by the miners have to be sold through the syndicate to a “higher boss,” with the miners receiving only a fraction of the profits.
Indebted to the syndicates and left with no extra money to return home, the miners are effectively bound in “modern slavery,” Gemfields asserted.
The company said Montepuez Ruby Mining is working with the government of Mozambique to “identify the sources of such activities and reduce the risk to, and exploitation of, vulnerable groups.”
Montepuez is the same mining site that was at the center of a recent lawsuit.
Last April, U.K. law firm Leigh Day filed suit against Gemfields on behalf of a group of Mozambicans living near the mining concession who alleged they or their relatives were the victims of human rights abuses at or around the mine.
In January, Gemfields agreed, on a no-admission-of-liability basis, to the settlement of all claims of human rights abuses in Mozambique brought against it, paying out about $7.6 million in the case.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.