Families in the emerald sector receive aid amid the pandemic

Coronavirus: Colombian mining families receive aid amid the pandemic Photo: Courtesy

The coronavirus pandemic in Colombia is advancing rapidly and has managed to significantly affect the national population in social, economic, and labour aspects, among others. According to the most recent report from the Ministry of Health, the covid-19 has left 24,104 positive cases, 803 deaths and 6,111 recovered.

Muzo, the country’s emerald capital, has been one of the municipalities most affected by the pandemic, mainly in economic terms. The mines were closed, the activities of the industry were interrupted due to the quarantine and hundreds of miners were left without income in recent months to support their families and provide for their basic needs.

Despite the fact that these workers have received some aid and that the municipality of Boyacá has the advantage of not registering any positive case of coronavirus , most families have not been able to obtain help to cope with the difficult situation they are in. going through.

In the midst of the crisis, several Colombians have shown solidarity with their compatriots, especially those who are abroad. For this reason, the Australian company Colonial Gemstones, dedicated to exporting emeralds in Australia, announced that it will join forces and send  more than 100 markets to workers in this part of the country.

Mauro Carvajal, founder of the company, 13 years ago left his country and today he is positioning Colombian emeralds as one of the best gemstones at the level of diamonds and pearls in Australia. Now, it will carry out the initiative to help at least 100 mining families in the emerald sector.

“ I am touched by the situation my people are going through.  However, I believe that distances cannot be an impediment for Colombians from any part of the planet to lend a hand to those who need it most, especially those workers who, thanks to their work, have made us shine in other parts of the world ” Carvajal shared.

Markets and financial aid are expected to be delivered by a delegation of four representatives of Colonial Gemstones in Colombia, previously authorised by the Boyacá Government and the Municipality of Muzo.

For its part, the Colombian Association of Exporters of Emeralds (ACODES) assures that it will accompany this type of initiative promoted by the private sector, giving logistical support in humanitarian aid events such as those promoted by the Colombian and his company.

According to the National Emerald Federation (Fedesmeraldas), Colombia, which is recognized in the market for the quality of its precious stones , carried out emerald exports for more than 142 million dollars, surpassing Brazil and Zambia, its main competitors.

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