Historically,  have had different property titles. In principle, and obviously, before colonisation, the mines belonged to the indigenous natives who occupied the territory. These indigenous inhabitants are said to have exploited the known mines for over a thousand years, taking advantage of their wealth to adorn their temples, grant them mystical powers and meanings, and of course, please their leaders.

Then came the Spanish conquest, and with it a change of owner, now they would become part of the possessions of the Royal Crown until 1810, at which time the declaration of independence gave these mines ownership to the government of the New Granada.

By 1979, two companies became part of the mining exploitation process and began to privatise the emerald business. These companies were Tecminas in the Muzo region and Esmeracol S.A. in the town of Coscuez.

But what are they and where are they in 2023?

These precious gems from which stunning engagement rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches are made in all possible designs, are found in two main mining districts, Muzo and Chivor.

Muzo has 360 square kilometres in length and is located at a distance of approximately 120 kilometres from the Colombian capital, Bogotá. In this district, we find the “MINA MTC”, the largest and most important in the country.

This mine, which today is directed by the Mexican engineer Carlos Contreras, has had to go through great challenges throughout its history, among which are important challenges such as surviving the “Green War” between drug trafficking cartels and the imperative need for Tech improvements and modernisation for the sustainability of the production demand that characterises the most relevant mine in the country.

Currently, the Muzo MTC MINE has a wide ramp through which mechanised equipment, cargo trucks and other technologies circulate to extract the material and bring it to the surface. An infrastructure that allows miners to reach more than 300 meters deep.

Do you Want to know more about Colombian Emerald Prices?

Fura Gems (Coscuez)

is situated in the picturesque and mountainous Boyacá region, boasting lush green landscapes. Spanning an impressive area of 46 hectares, this emerald mine is located approximately 228 kilometers north of Bogotá, the capital city. With a rich history spanning over 400 years, the Coscuez Mine holds a prestigious position as one of the world’s most renowned emerald mines, having yielded some of Colombia’s finest emeralds.

Following the completion of our comprehensive bulk sampling project, we took the initiative to request authorization from the Colombian authorities to transition the Coscuez mine from a small-scale operation to a large-scale endeavor. In 2020, the Government of Colombia granted our request, extending the Coscuez license by 30 years. Subsequently, in December 2021, Coscuez obtained the coveted Large Scale Environmental Permit. As part of our continuous efforts to enhance operations, we expanded our wash plant’s capacity to handle 60 tons per hour, a significant milestone achieved by incorporating optical sorters for the first time. This addition allows for the identification and extraction of emeralds with minimal human intervention.

In July 2022, construction commenced on the 4m x 4m decline, a monumental undertaking that spans a total development distance of 6 kilometers. This ambitious project is expected to reach completion within the next 20 months. With a dedicated workforce comprising more than 525 employees and the ongoing construction of the new decline, our Coscuez mine is positioned to become the world’s largest underground emerald mine by 2023.

Have you visited a mine in the magical land of emeralds? Tell us in the comments.

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