Mining & Trade News

Yami Gemstone Lab & Exports (YAGLE) has been honored with the Mining SME of the Year Award at the inaugural Phuka Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Awards, organized by Standard Bank Malawi and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute (SMEDI). Speaking in an interview, YAGLE owner gemologist Yamikani Jimusole said that for YAGLE, the recognition is more than just a trophy but a national acknowledgment of its efforts to transform Malawi’s gemstone industry through ethical practices, transparency, and community empowerment. said Jimusole: “This award is a tremendous honor for YAGLE as it validates our dedication to promoting ethical, sustainable, and value-driven gemstone mining in Malawi.”

“Being the only nominee in the Mining SME category makes this milestone even more meaningful. It shows that our work in research, advocacy, and industry reform is being noticed at national level.”

He said YAGLE entered the gemstone sector with a vision to change the narrative of how gemstones are sourced, valued and traded in Malawi. The team was motivated by the lack of gemological expertise in the country, a gap that has long hindered Malawi’s ability to benefit from its rich mineral wealth. He also said that their early research revealed that while Malawi hosts over 25 gemstone varieties including rubies, sapphires, tourmaline, aquamarine, grandidierite and spinel most stones were being sold informally and undervalued.

Jimusole further explained that YAGLE’s work extends beyond research and exports. The company is also working to empower small-scale and artisanal miners who make up about 99 percent of the gemstone workforce in Malawi. Many of these miners operate with limited technical knowledge and lack formal training in gemology and lapidary work.  Jimusole said:.

“This is a challenge that YAGLE aims to tackle head-on. The company plans to offer free consultancy services and access to finance to help miners understand gemstone grading, market trends, and ethical sourcing practices.”

“We want to partner with local miners to ensure a consistent supply of quality gemstones while helping them get fair value for their work as through collaboration and shared growth, we can ensure that communities directly benefit from Malawi’s gemstone wealth.”

Despite the progress, Jimusole said that YAGLE still faces the common challenges in the country’s mining sector, including the lack of accredited laboratories and professional appraisers in Malawi. This forces many dealers to export gemstones without knowing their true market value, leading to massive losses for the country.

He explained that YAGLE is now studying detailed gemstone and appraisal reports from reputable international laboratories to guide the commercialization of its mines. It is also developing a comprehensive Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to ensure compliance with both ­­local and international standards. Jimusole further said that YAGLE is exploring the use of blockchain technology to enhance transparency in gemstone sourcing and trading.

This move aligns with global standards set by organizations such as the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), and the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).

“By integrating blockchain, we want to make Malawian gemstones traceable from mine to market. This will increase buyer confidence and ensure our stones meet international ethical sourcing requirements,” said Jimusole.

The company plans to establish a state-of-the-art gemstone laboratory and a Gemological and Entrepreneurship Institute in Malawi to promote education, certification and proper valuation of gemstones locally. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign labs and keep more value within the country.

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