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Mine to Market

Gemstones and minerals have been mined in the mountainous region of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and
Tajikistan for nearly 40 years. The mountainous regions are geologically active areas that are advantageous
in locating gem and mineral deposits. Rupani Foundation's initiative in the establishment of the Gem
Cutting and Polishing Training Centers gives local residents a chance to be involved in not only the mining
of gemstones, but also producing a finished product which has a higher resale value.

Rupani Foundation provides the necessary support for the establishment of the required infrastructure to
develop the Mine-to-Market program for precious gemstones. The objective is to enhance the skills of the
local people in mountain communities in professional mining, processing and value addition,
standardization and certification, packaging, branding and promotion. These skills will increase market
access through links with international auction centers and through participation in major trade expo events.

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and Karakoram Area Development Organization (KADO)
are two of the many local organzations who partner with us in this endeavor.

Gemstones Found in Mountainous Areas include:


Aquamarine
Aquamarine Aquamarine

Emerald Peridot
Emerald Emerald Peridot Peridot

Garnet Ruby
Garnet Garnet Ruby Ruby

Lapis Topaz
Lapis Lapis Topaz Topaz

Quartz Tourmaline
Quartz Quartz Tourmaline Tourmaline


Accomplishments:

  • In partnership with AKRSP and KADO, the six training centers in Pakistan have graduated over 367 students by 2009
  • In Afghanistan, eight training centers have been established in Afghanistan with capacity to graduate over 500 students annually, two of which also handle jewelry production supported by Aga Khan Foundation and GTZ.
  • Provided graduates with joint instruction classes in higher skill sets, including master training and production
  • Executed MoUs with local partners to establish a line of production units at all training centers in Pakistan in 2009
 

Making A Difference

The mission of Rupani Foundation is to engage in the Mountain regions of the world to integrate underprivileged areas and people into the evolving global socio-economic society during the coming decades.

Volunteer

The Foundation is always in need of dedicated volunteers who can assist in the war against poverty. Do you want to contribute to the international development of Mountain Communities?

Partnerships

Rupani Foundation will continue to cultivate relationships with NGOs, private foundations and local institutions that share our Vision and Goals. The scope of these partnerships will span the globe with the objective of maximizing the reach and impact of our collective efforts for the benefit of Mountain Communities.