Itinerary showcases the country’s wealth and provides an immersive gemstone experience

Following the 20th ICA Congress, held from May 19–22, 2025, in Brasília, attendees will have the opportunity to embark on a unique journey with the Post-Congress Mine Tour. This exclusive experience will take them to some of Brazil’s most iconic gemstone mines. Companies from the Precious Brazil project, a sectoral project created by the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), are expected to play a significant role in the event.

From May 23–31, the exclusive itinerary will guide participants through four Brazilian states, offering a blend of culture, tourism, and a deep dive into the fascinating world of gemstones.

Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 – Rio de Janeiro
The tour kicks off with a journey from Brazil’s capital to the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro. Participants will visit world-famous landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as the renowned beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The schedule also includes a special dinner overlooking Guanabara Bay and a lively Brazilian music performance.

Days 3 and 4 – Governador Valadares
The group will then travel to Governador Valadares to explore the renowned Golconda tourmaline mine, celebrated for the exceptional quality of its gemstones.

Day 5 – Itabira
The next stop is Itabira in Minas Gerais, home to the Belmont emerald mine. Known as one of the world’s largest emerald producers, Belmont offers a fascinating glimpse into sustainable mining practices and Brazil’s rich mineral resources.

Days 6 to 9 – Natal and Parelhas
The tour concludes in Rio Grande do Norte, starting with a relaxing day at a beachfront resort in Natal. Participants will then visit Parelhas to explore the prestigious Paraíba tourmaline mine, renowned for its rarity and the unparalleled beauty of its stones.

A complete experience

The Post-Congress Mine Tour provides an all-inclusive experience, covering air and ground transportation, accommodations in comfortable hotels, full meals, and admission to all tourist attractions. This journey is an unmissable opportunity for ICA Congress participants to experience Brazil’s natural treasures firsthand and connect with the production processes and cultural heritage that position the country as a leading player in the global gemstone market.

Registrations for the Post-Congress Mine Tour are now open and can be completed directly on the official event website.

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. In order to achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives aimed at promoting Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim at strengthening the Brazil brand. The Agency also acts in a coordinated way with public and private players to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil with a focus on strategic sectors for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.

About IBGM

The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association is a national, non-profit private entity founded in 1977. Its mission is to represent, integrate, develop, and promote all segments of the gem, jewelry, and fashion jewelry chain. The association works as an advocate for their interests and by promoting knowledge transfer, trust, and appreciation of their products among consumers.

About Precious Brazil

The Industry Sector Project  Precious Brazil aims to support and promote Brazilian companies in the Minerals, gemstones,  jewelry, and fashion accessories segments that seek to export their products, whether they are beginners, exporters, or already internationalized. Coordinated by IBGM – The Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association in partnership with ApexBrasil – Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency – the project currently serves approximately 150 companies in the industry.