NPR ventures into a Colombian emerald mine — which used to be more dangerous, with potential explosions inside and gunfights outside. The CEO, a former U.S. diplomat, says he wanted to change that.
Charles Burgess, 67, has served as a Marine and U.S. diplomat and says he put together a group of U.S. investors to purchase the mine near Muzo."The idea was to transform the industry," he says.Charles Burgess, 67, has served as a Marine and U.S. diplomat and says he put together a group of U.S. investors to purchase the mine near Muzo."The idea was to transform the industry," he says.Colombian emeralds are considered the finest in the world and most are exported to the U.S.
Geologist Camilo Pinzón takes a break after finding a vein in the calcite rocks with green specks, the telltale sign of emeralds.Geologist Camilo Pinzón takes a break after finding a vein in the calcite rocks with green specks, the telltale sign of emeralds."The idea was to fundamentally change the industry," Burgess says."Instead of seeing this as treasure hunting, we want people to see this as a job and a career."The open pits are gone, replaced by tunnels.
Women used to be scarce at Colombian emerald mines, but now they fill all sorts of positions, from geologists to workers checking rocks and debris on this conveyer belt for traces of emeralds.The mine has many safety features, including phone and internet lines, huge hoses to bring in fresh air and pumps to remove water from the mine.Dressed in rubber boots and fueled with coffee, Burgess can often be found inspecting tunnels and meeting with engineers and local government officials.
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