Mozambique Faces Major Challenges from Illegal Mining

Mozambique’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has identified illegal mining as a significant challenge for the country’s mining sector, acknowledging that a considerable number of Mozambicans depend on it for their livelihoods.

“One of the areas where we face major challenges is mining. In the informal sector, many Mozambicans engage in illegal mining to support themselves, often without adhering to environmental and safety regulations,” said Carlos Zacarias.

He made these remarks during the opening of the Coordinating Council meeting of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy in Mossuril, Nampula province.

Despite these challenges, Zacarias emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the issue of illegal mining. “We sometimes witness serious accidents, even fatalities. Small-scale mining is an area that demands significant attention,” he added.

Among the various mining companies in Mozambique, Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), which operates in northern Mozambique, has been particularly vocal about the impact of illegal mining.

The company has condemned the “modern slavery” conditions imposed on young people by gem traffickers operating within its concession area.

Since mining operations began in 2012, dozens of illegal miners have died in accidents across MRM’s nearly 34,000-hectare concession in Cabo Delgado. MRM is 75% owned by the Gemfields Group.

In addition to tackling illegal mining, Zacarias highlighted the government’s plans to expand Mozambique’s electricity grid. The Energy Transition Strategy aims to achieve universal access to energy by 2030 through infrastructure expansion and off-grid solutions.

“In Nampula province alone, we have between 60 and 70% electricity coverage. We aim to resolve outstanding issues to complete electrification,” Zacarias stated.

From January to June, 194,767 new home energy connections were made through the National Grid and Isolated Systems, increasing the national coverage rate to 49.4% of households, up from 47.8% at the end of 2022 and 40.3% in 2021.

The Coordinating Council meeting in Nampula, held under the motto “Towards the Transformation and Local Use of Mineral and Energy Resources for Development,” is bringing together ministry officials and leaders of various public companies and will continue until Friday.