Gemfields resumes ruby mining in Mozambique

Gemfields resumed mining at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique after temporarily suspending operations in the wake of attacks by groups associated with the illegal ruby mining and trading. The mining company confirmed that mining activity is running at full capacity and the situation in the communities surrounding the mine appears calm.

On Dec. 24, Gemfields said it was temporarily suspending operations at Montepuez, which it owns in partnership with local company Mwiriti Limitada. Montepuez is the largest of several operations Gemfields has in Mozambique’s northernmost province, Cabo Delgado.

There was a staged attempted invasion on the mine’s village, with a group of more than 200 individuals setting fire to buildings, including a community cash point.  Mozambican police and military protected the area using a “staged escalation of force,” Gemfields said, and two in the invading group were shot and later died in the hospital.

Also on Dec. 24, property in the nearby village of Wikupuri was looted and damaged. Individuals targeted the mine’s vocational training center, taking farming equipment provided by the mine for distribution to more than 800 local farmers. The mining company said it relocated some of its personnel to offsite locations but began a phased return Dec. 26.