Registration
Cocktail Reception
Welcome Speech by Damien Cody (ICA President)
Damien Cody
ICA President
Welcome Speech by Roseli Duque (IBGM President)
• Invited Authority 1: Ministry of Mines (MME) • Invited Authority 2: ApexBrasil
Roseli Duque
President - IBGM
Welcome Speech / Presentation by by Marcelo Ribeiro (Congress Chairman)
Marcelo Ribeiro
President - Belmont Emeralds
Beyond the Surface: Challenges and Opportunities in Brazil’s Color Gemstone Sector
Home to an incredible diversity of colored gemstones, Brazil plays an important role in the global trade. However, navigating market access, regulations, and technological shifts remains a challenge. This session brings together industry leaders to explore sustainable practices, innovation, and strategies for strengthening Brazil’s competitive edge.
Marcelo Ribeiro
President - Belmont Emeralds
Manuela Soares
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at ArtOuro & Gemas
Samuel Sabbagh
CFO - Ben Sabbagh Bros
Tasso Mendonça Junior
Director at the National Mining Agency (ANM)
Hermano Ferro
Auditor at National Export Control Division Federal Revenue and Customs of Brazil
Brazil’s Gemstone Industry: A Leader in Compliance and Sustainable Practices
Brazil’s commitment to high compliance and sustainability standards is shaping the future of its gemstone sector and could serve as a global benchmark for responsible gemstone mining. However, achieving these standards presents challenges, particularly for small-scale miners, who often struggle with access to legal frameworks, financial resources, and technical support. This session will explore how Brazil is balancing environmental and ethical responsibilities with the realities of gemstone mining. Moderator : Manoel Bernardes
Manoel Bernardes
Vice President of Education and Innovation at IBGM
Prof. Dr. Adriano Mol
Head of the Center for Gemstone and Lapidary Design
Ara Vartanian
Jewelry Designer
Prof. Giorgio de Tomi
Director at USP Centre for Responsible Mining
Dr. William Freire
Founding Partner of William Freire & Associates
Coffee break
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri PhD
Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri PhD
President, CIBJO
Lunch
Sessions
Dinner at Mezanino
Unlocking the Potential of Mining Investments in Brazil
Brazil is home to some of the world's most sought-after colored gemstones, yet its full investment potential remains largely untapped. This session will explore the opportunities and challenges in the sector, from opportunities to regulatory considerations . Experts will discuss strategies for attracting investors, enhancing supply chain transparency, and positioning Brazil as a premier destination for ethical and profitable gemstone investments. Moderator : To be Determined Participants: 1. To be Determined 2. To be Determined 3. Rep of MG state 4. Rep of Piauí state
Prof. Giorgio de Tomi
Director at USP Centre for Responsible Mining
Helena Bonna Brandão
Foreign Investment Manager at ApexBrasil
Keynote Speaker - Susan Jacques - (GIA – Generations of Wonder)
GIA – Generations of Wonder Since its founding in 1931, GIA has nurtured many generations. Students, some of whom start at eight or nine with our GemKids program, study with GIA on campus or online and move into rewarding careers across the industry and the world. Scientists take their academic training into the field, personally collecting samples for GIA’s unrivaled reference collection of colored stone rough with documented origin. Industry professionals return to GIA to refresh their knowledge and expertise, often bringing their own next generation with them. It is a virtuous cycle of knowledge and wonder, all in service of building trust within our industry and – so importantly – with the public.
Susan Jacques
President and CEO - GIA
Coffee Break
SESSIONS
Lunch
SESSIONS
Dinner TBD
SESSIONS
Coffee Break
SESSIONS
Lunch
SESSIONS
Gala Dinner
A spectacular evening of music and celebration at the Royal Tulip Ballroom Sponsored by MIRANDA GROUP
* Agenda is subject to change without prior notice.
