ETHIOPIAN EMERALDS

Until recently, emerald mining in Ethiopia has largely been carried out by artisanal
miners who are organised into unions and cooperatives. As such, emerald mining
is emerging as a major sector, creating job opportunities for more than 30,000
Ethiopians. Most emeralds are then exported to Switzerland, Australia and the United
States. In 2017, Ethiopia exported 2,290kg of emeralds. Surpassing the export of opal
and sapphire which are the current major gemstone types exported.