Gemfields Warns of Potential Disruptions at Mozambique Ruby Mine Amid Rising Unrest
Gemfields Group announced on Tuesday that disruptions could affect operations at its largest ruby mine in Mozambique, following escalating unrest tied to October’s disputed election.
The violence, which includes protests from opposition groups claiming election fraud, has resulted in significant unrest, particularly after Mozambique’s top court confirmed the victory of the ruling Frelimo party on Monday.
According to civil society group Plataforma Decide, at least 130 people have been killed in clashes with police. Foreign mining operations in Mozambique, including those of South32, have also been impacted by the unrest.
Gemfields stated that “groups associated with illegal mining and ruby trading have exploited the ongoing political instability.” It reported that, on Monday, instigators set fire to a police station in Namanhumbir, a village close to Gemfields’ Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada (MRM) in Cabo Delgado province. Additionally, the company’s office, a community center, and a radio station it built in the village were also destroyed.
Gemfields cautioned that, given the current situation, interruptions to MRM’s mining operations could occur as a result of the unrest.
In nearby villages, a water borehole was sabotaged, and in another, rioters set fire to the police station, the residence of a local police commander, and the district’s administrative offices.
Gemfields owns 75% of MRM, which employs around 1,400 people.
The ruling Frelimo party has faced accusations from opponents and election observers of electoral fraud, though it has denied the claims. The electoral commission has not yet commented on the allegations surrounding this year’s election.
