The Province of Nampula will host the 5th edition of the Nampula Annual Gems Fair (FAGENA) from 21 to 23 September. Taking place under the motto “Ensuring Transparency in the Exploration and Valuation of Gems”, the event aims to promote geological and mining resources and geosciences, as well as the exhibition, purchase and sale of gems, precious metals and jewellery objects.
In addition to the exhibition of products, services and working tools in the chain of exploitation of mineral resources, the creation of partnerships and the dissemination of recent scientific discoveries, the Fair will serve to promote sustainable forms of mining extraction and processing.
Speaking during the launching ceremony of FAGENA, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Carlos Zacarias, said that its realisation is of great importance for the country, since the mining sector has registered considerable growth.
“FAGENA is the main showcase for precious metals, semi-precious metals and gems mined and marketed in Mozambique, where the province of Nampula, due to its geographical location, stands out at national level as the main marketing centre,” he said.
He stressed that the products to be exhibited during the three-day event are the result of artisanal mining, which is an opportunity for communities to commercialise their products legally.
For his part, the national director of the National Geology Museum, Dante Marizane, said that during the fair, entities such as the Kimberley Process Management Unit, Precious Metals and Gems (UGPK) will be present to legalise the sale and purchase at the site.
At least 124 minerals have been validated, out of a total of 208 listed, in Mozambique, including ruby, aquamarine, morganite, tourmaline, durmortierite, beryl, niobium, tantalum, emerald, rubellite, magnetite, rose quartz and agate.
The first edition of FAGENA took place in 2016, but due to the restrictive measures imposed by the government to stop the spread of covid-19, it was discontinued in 2020.
