Professor Giorgio de Tomi joins two panels highlighting the country’s role as an ethical and strategic leader in the global colored gemstone sector
Brazil will take center stage at the ICA Congress 2025, which will be held from May 19 to 22 in Brasília, bringing together experts, investors, and industry representatives from over 40 countries. Among the program’s highlights, Professor Giorgio de Tomi, Director of the USP Centre for Responsible Mining, will participate in two key panels addressing sustainability, compliance, and investment attraction in the sector. Brazilian companies will also be represented at the event through the Precious Brazil project, a joint initiative by the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association (IBGM) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) that aims to promote Brazil’s gemstone and jewelry sector internationally.
Giorgio, who also coordinates Brazil’s National Action Plan for the Minamata Convention, believes the country is in a promising position to attract new investors. “The wealth of our mineral resources, combined with the ongoing modernization of operations, a strong commitment to sustainability, and the consolidation of sound management and governance practices, positions the country as one of the top global choices for gemstone investments. In addition, the economic stability achieved in recent years, along with stronger trade relations with BRICS countries, expands business opportunities and improves access to strategic markets. Brazil thus presents itself as a solid, reliable, and promising environment for investors looking to combine profitability with social and environmental responsibility.”
According to the professor, one of the main barriers to gemstone mining development in Brazil is the predominance of small-scale operations, which limits investment capacity across the entire production chain. “The main challenges for the development of the gemstone sector in Brazil are mainly related to the prevailing profile of operations, which are mostly made up of small enterprises, with only a few medium-sized exceptions. This characteristic limits investment capacity throughout the value chain—from the initial phases of geological research and deposit characterization to the selection of appropriate mining and processing methods. Furthermore, the lack of financial resources hinders access to more efficient technologies that would enhance the sector’s competitiveness. Another critical issue is the adoption of practices that ensure environmental and social sustainability, which in some cases affects both the regularization of operations and the sector’s acceptance by society and international markets.”
During the panels “Brazil’s Gemstone Industry: A Leader in Compliance and Sustainable Practices” and “Unlocking the Potential of Mining Investments in Brazil,” Giorgio de Tomi and other panelists will discuss how responsible mining can become a competitive advantage for Brazil. The professor cites the work of NAP.Mineração, a USP research center focused on enhancing small-scale mining, as an example of how sound management, governance, and operational efficiency practices can make these ventures more attractive to ethical and sustainable investors. “NAP.Mineração is a USP research center focused on promoting responsible mining, with an emphasis on improving small-scale operations. Our work with cooperatives and associations in the sector shows that these miners are highly interested in improving their operational efficiency and formalizing their businesses through modern management and governance practices. Only after overcoming these challenges will these operations be better prepared to become competitive and attract investment in the market.”
Traceability will also be a central point of discussion. De Tomi explains that certifications such as Fairmined, CRAFT, and RJC are essential for ensuring transparency and building investor confidence. “Several international initiatives have promoted operational standards and best practices aimed at certifying artisanal and small-scale mining operations. Notable examples include Fairmined, Swiss Better Gold, Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), and CRAFT, among others. These standards not only incorporate aspects of environmental responsibility and governance in mineral production, but also encourage responsible mining and promote social justice in the sector.” He also highlights that “in Brazil, the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious Metals (IBGM), in partnership with USP and other institutions, has been working to create an innovative certification and traceability process focused on responsible production of minerals such as gold and gemstones. This process is being structured based on the ICMTC standard, currently in the development and pilot implementation phase.”
From Giorgio’s perspective, the ICA Congress is a strategic platform to strengthen Brazil’s image as a leader in quality gemstone production. “Brazil is experiencing a promising moment in the gemstone sector. The broad variety and high quality of our gemstones position the country as one of the top suppliers in the international market. IBGM and its members have stood out globally not only for competitive production costs but also for adopting cutting-edge technologies and innovative models grounded in socio-environmental responsibility. The ICA Congress represents a unique opportunity to reaffirm our capacity to lead global gemstone production, with a focus on sustainability and competitive excellence.”
The ICA Congress will take place from May 19 to 22, 2025, at the Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada. The full program and registration details are available on the official website: icacongress.com.
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.
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