Editor’s Note
Gemfields has resumed operations at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique after a temporary suspension due to attacks linked to illegal mining. The company reports that mining is now at full capacity and local communities are calm.
Gemfields has announced the resumption of operations at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, following a temporary suspension prompted by attacks. The company attributed these attacks to groups linked to illegal ruby mining and trading.
the company stated in a January 2 email to National Jeweler.
Operations at the Montepuez mine, a joint venture with local company Mwiriti Limitada, were temporarily halted on December 24. The mine is Gemfields’ largest operation in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province.
The company reported a “staged attempted invasion” of the mine’s village by a group of over 200 individuals, who set fire to buildings including a community cash point. Mozambican police and military responded, resulting in two fatalities among the attackers. Nearby villages, including Wikupuri, also experienced looting and damage. A vocational training center was targeted, with farming equipment intended for over 800 local farmers being taken.
Gemfields relocated some personnel but began a phased return on December 26.
Gemfields stated the attacking groups are “associated with illegal ruby mining” and are exploiting political tensions stemming from Mozambique’s contested October presidential election.
Political turmoil intensified on December 23 when the Constitutional Council upheld the election victory of Frelimo Party candidate Daniel Chapo, who faces rigging allegations. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane declared himself the winner and called for nationwide protests. According to local news agency AIM, Mondlane demanded an end to all mining until the January 15 presidential inauguration.
On the day of the court ruling, attackers targeted the village of Namanhumbir, adjacent to the mine, burning the police station, the mine’s Operational Grievance Mechanism, a community center, and a radio center. Other incidents included cutting off the water supply in Nanune and arson attacks on administrative buildings in Wikupuri.