Colombia
Colombia
Posted on Mar 12, 2023
Inside the emerald mines that make Colombia a global giant of the green gem
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https://www.npr.org/2023/03/11/ [login to see] /emerald-mining-colombia
Although he has helped transform Colombia's emerald industry, long a source of violence and environmental damage, former U.S. diplomat Charles Burgess admits that he got into the business on a whim.
"I don't have a mining background," he told NPR during a recent tour of the mine he runs near the town of Muzo deep in the Andes Mountains. "I never in my wildest imagination thought I'd be working in any sort of business like this. But it's been fascinating."
Burgess, 67, is president of the Muzo Companies Colombia that mine and export 85% of Colombia's emeralds, helping to make the country the world's largest producer of high-quality emeralds.
Although he has helped transform Colombia's emerald industry, long a source of violence and environmental damage, former U.S. diplomat Charles Burgess admits that he got into the business on a whim.
"I don't have a mining background," he told NPR during a recent tour of the mine he runs near the town of Muzo deep in the Andes Mountains. "I never in my wildest imagination thought I'd be working in any sort of business like this. But it's been fascinating."
Burgess, 67, is president of the Muzo Companies Colombia that mine and export 85% of Colombia's emeralds, helping to make the country the world's largest producer of high-quality emeralds.
Inside the emerald mines that make Colombia a global giant of the green gem
Posted from npr.org
Mining and Metals
Colombia
Marines
State of Florida
Christianity
Posted 1 y ago
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Charles Burgess's unexpected journey into the emerald industry is a reminder of life's surprises. It reminds me of stumbling upon a rock polishing guide ( https://rockstumbling.com/rock-polishing-techniques ) when I least expected it. Despite lacking a mining background, Burgess's passion and dedication have transformed Colombia's emerald trade. His story teaches us to embrace the unexpected twists and turns, as they may lead to fascinating discoveries and meaningful contributions.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Dressed in rubber boots and fueled with coffee, Burgess can often be found inspecting tunnels and meeting with engineers and local government officials. He's had to fire miners for stealing emeralds. After one major discovery, word leaked out and suddenly 5,000 people descended on the mine hoping for a piece of the action, until they were removed by police and army troops.
Now, however, the emerald mining region is largely peaceful. Last year, the Muzo Companies Colombia exported about $128 million in emeralds. The United States is the largest importer, according to Galvis.
This area was first mined by Indigenous groups long before the Spanish Conquest, yet it keeps yielding emeralds.
"It's just how it is, it's just the geology," Burgess says. "The potential here is virtually unlimited."
..."Dressed in rubber boots and fueled with coffee, Burgess can often be found inspecting tunnels and meeting with engineers and local government officials. He's had to fire miners for stealing emeralds. After one major discovery, word leaked out and suddenly 5,000 people descended on the mine hoping for a piece of the action, until they were removed by police and army troops.
Now, however, the emerald mining region is largely peaceful. Last year, the Muzo Companies Colombia exported about $128 million in emeralds. The United States is the largest importer, according to Galvis.
This area was first mined by Indigenous groups long before the Spanish Conquest, yet it keeps yielding emeralds.
"It's just how it is, it's just the geology," Burgess says. "The potential here is virtually unlimited."
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