We are taking on the challenge of transforming the mining industry.
Our vision.
Demand for coloured gemstones has risen sharply over the past decade. Indeed, it has never been higher. This includes not only the “classic three”, emerald, ruby and sapphire, but also other coloured gemstones, including tourmaline.
Historically, the coloured-gemstone market has been fragmented and undercapitalised, serviced by small artisanal producers scattered across the globe. Supply has not always been reliable and prices have fluctuated accordingly. Provenance has often been difficult to determine, further undermining trust and confidence.
The formal marketing of coloured gemstones was, until recently, all but unheard of. Such a situation benefits neither producers nor consumers.
It is a situation that Iridis is determined to change – and one that we believe presents a remarkable opportunity.
Iridis – the name comes from the Latin word for rainbow – is the brainchild of co-founders Cyrille Djankoff and Stephane Foucaud. In 2017 they became the majority shareholder of a tourmaline mine in central Zambia with extraordinary measured, indicated and inferred potential.
Together they have positioned Iridis for long-term growth and assembled a team of seasoned industry experts capable of implementing their shared vision.
Photo: Racheal Chilambwe.
The tourmaline mine is just the beginning for Iridis. We are already exploring other opportunities in gemstone mining, both in Africa and elsewhere.
