Yesid Nieto, organized leader of reportedly 80 percent of Colombia’s emerald mines, is making good progress towards recovery after being shot in late February. The shooting attack came soon after Nieto promised assistance to the Colombian government in removing hundreds of hectares of coca plantations, just north of the emerald mining region.

Nieto is recovering well, and has been out of intensive care for a number of weeks, a Colombian gem dealer told JCK. While many in the local industry are upbeat about his recovery, he still has no movement in his left arm or leg.

In the meantime, the mines are producing emeralds, slowly but steadily, the source said. Everything is peaceful out at the mines. In Bogota, people are saying that the attempt on Nieto’s life was personal, with nothing to do with the emerald business.

JCK