Gabbi Harvey, head of business development at Muzo Emerald Colombia, shares details of the famous mining site and its sustainability efforts.
Please tell us about the Muzo mines.
While we didn’t take full ownership of the Muzo mine until 2014, the Muzo Companies entered the Colombian market in 2009. Since then, we have worked to establish one of Colombia’s most productive and world-renowned mines and are committed to bringing modern mining extraction methods to Muzo through technology-driven craftsmanship, transparency, mine-to-market traceability, and a safe and fair employment environment. At present, our mines comprise five underground galleries. Four are vertical, and the oldest, Puerto Arturo, reaches more than 500 feet deep. The fifth is spiral-bored to 1,300 feet and is a testing ground for modern mining methods that facilitate geological research and optimize extraction conditions.
Is Muzo vertically integrated?
Muzo has integrated all sectors, from emerald extraction to cutting to distribution, in compliance with best practices in the natural and social environment in which we operate. Our certification policy tracks every stone, from raw crystal to polished gem. Thanks to computer technologies integrated into the mine, Muzo is the only company that can issue an in-house certificate of origin and traceability. It states the date, place and time of extraction for each crystal. It also provides details of the rough and final gemstone and indicates whether the emerald has been treated with oil or resin. Each Muzo emerald is crafted by our sophisticated cutting and polishing operation, EDLA, in Bogota’s free-trade zone. We control our distribution channels by working with partners who share our same high standards and focus on creating value downstream.
Why are Muzo emeralds so highly prized?
They are one-of-a-kind; no two crystals are exactly alike. They are imprinted with thousands of years of history, which makes them incredibly special. They also have a vivid green hue, often known as “green fire,” that is greatly appreciated. One important point of differentiation, too, is that Muzo emeralds are produced under legal, environmental and humane working conditions. This makes our Colombian emeralds unique not only for their beauty, but also for their responsible mining origin, so buyers can feel confident in their purchase. We believe that what you take, you must give back, and we are always striving to do better.
How does Muzo Emerald Colombia give back?
The Muzo region is an impoverished area known for decades for its violent past, but through the implementation of various initiatives in education, entrepreneurship and leadership, we’re creating a social fabric to promote change. These corporate social responsibility initiatives are overseen by our Muzo Foundation. One of these initiatives is Furatena Cacao. It supports 1,485 families that produce approximately 2,600 hectares of cocoa, as well as 50 farms certified with Good Agricultural Practices, and 538 other producers. Our most recent project, Jewelry with Social Responsibility, supports women and men in the mining sector in the Muzo and Quípama municipalities. Our students learn how to cut emeralds and make jewelry. We also work with talented designers such as Jemma Wynne and the Colombian Mercedes Salazar. A portion of sales from their limited-edition collections goes back to the Muzo Foundation.
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