Gemfields has announced the resumption of operations at its ruby mine in Montepuez, in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique, after temporarily suspending activities due to attacks by groups allegedly linked to the illegal extraction and trade of rubies.
According to National Jeweler, the mining company confirmed that activity at the mine has returned to ‘full capacity’ and that the situation in the surrounding communities is currently calm. ‘We remain vigilant and hope for peace in Mozambique,’ it added.
The attacks took place on 24 December, when a group of more than 200 individuals tried to invade the mine area, setting fire to structures, including a community ATM. The police and army responded with force, resulting in the death of two invaders.
There were also robberies in the neighbouring village of Wikupuri, with agricultural equipment intended for local farmers being looted. Individuals attacked the mine’s vocational training centre, taking agricultural equipment supplied by the company for distribution to more than 800 local farmers.
The mining company said that it had moved some of its workers to locations outside the mine, but that it had begun a gradual return on 26 December.
Montepuez is the largest of several operations that Gemfields has in Mozambique’s northernmost province, Cabo Delgado.