Application of Lapidary Technology for Sustainable Gemstone Resource Development In Ethiopia
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2023-09
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Abstract
Ethiopia is renowned for its mineral abundance and more than 40 varieties of gemstone resources. With the artisanal and small scale miners controlling the production, the phase of the gemstone path abruptly came to a halt, with just a few rough dealers and a few gem cutters remaining, resulting in a very low economic benefit from the sector. The purpose of this study is to look into the function of lapidary technology for sustainable gemstone resource development in Ethiopia. The paper focuses on identifying the country‘s gemstone resource development challenges, the stages of the lapidary process and colored gemstone value chains, lapidary technology and the economic and social importance of lapidary technology in creating various jewelry and decorations using the new technology. In this study, interviews, literature reviews, lapidary work on a selected sample (gemstone from Wegel Tena, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia), and an economic analysis of rough and value-added gems are conducted to analyze the role of lapidary technology on the industry. Furthermore, it is designed to comprehend the stages of the supply process and gem value chain, as well as to investigate the economic and social ramifications of modern lapidary technology on the development of sustainable gemstone resources. The impact of lapidary on increasing the value of rough gemstones is enormous. An economic analysis made of agate, crystal quartz, obsidian, jasper, and opal found that there is an increase between 400 and 70,000 folds due to the effect of lapidary technology and value added on the rough gemstone. The study’s findings revealed that the fragmented character of the gemstone business attributed to its lag behind other mining industries. Moreover, the study indicated that the gemstone industry in Ethiopia lacks technology, finance, lapidary expertise and a controlled market system. Enabling legislation should be put in place to ensure that the necessary economic return from gemstone resources is attained in order to protect the business and support a successful gemstone cutting and polishing industry.
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Ethiopia, Gemstone, Challenges, Rough, Lapidary, Technology, Supply chain, Value-add, Jewelry.