The London-listed company Gemfields announced that despite encountered challenges, the construction of its second ruby processing plant (PP2) at Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique, will be completed by the end of the first half of this year.
Cited by Engineering News, the British company explained that MRM’s operations are currently affected by periods of lower premium rough ruby production due to the natural variability of the geological conditions where rubies are extracted, a pattern observed in recent months.
“Each colored gemstone is unique and, although geological methods help identify areas where emeralds and rubies may be found, there is currently no certainty about the quantity, quality, or value of these gemstones until they are brought to the surface and processed,” the company said. In this context, Gemfields noted that the relative lack of premium production at MRM could be resolved with the completion of PP2, which is expected to triple ore processing capacity from 200 tons per hour to 600 tons per hour.
“The completion of PP2 is largely due to a constructive relationship with the dedicated team at Consulmet Africa, which has worked tirelessly with MRM to overcome considerable logistical and other challenges to deliver this project as planned,” the company emphasized.
According to Gemfields, the new processing plant will allow the processing of a considerable stockpile of ruby ore from MRM, estimated at 1.48 million tons, as well as increase the capacity to bring to market additional sizes and color variations of rubies, which was previously impractical given limited processing capacity.
Security Concerns Persist in MRM’s Exploration Area
As reported by the South African news site, the northern region faces sporadic insurgencies that have impacted MRM’s operations, a situation worsened by the omnipresent threat of illegal miners trying to enter the Gemfields mine.
In the last quarter of 2024 and early 2025, following the aftermath of the general elections on October 9, Gemfields reported a significant increase in large organized groups of illegal miners invading MRM’s licensed areas, some entering active zones, climbing on machinery, and threatening mine workers.
“This situation poses significant risks to the company’s assets, employees, contractors, community members, and the illegal miners themselves. However, the company noted that a multi-agency operation carried out in April reduced the number of intruders in MRM’s licensed areas,” the report said.
The British company stressed that it continues investing in education and ongoing communication with local communities about the dangers of illegal mining, collaborating with authorities, and implementing enhanced security measures to prevent the presence of intruders.
“Efforts are underway to engage with newly appointed ministers and other government members to address the issue of illegal mining. The MRM concession is patrolled by the Mozambican army and police, in addition to the mine’s internal and contracted security team and trained local community members who perform basic guarding duties,” the company explained.
Gemfields highlighted that all individuals patrolling the MRM concession are required to follow the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and receive appropriate training. “To further enhance security, extensive drone surveillance is conducted, daily contact is maintained with government authorities and local villages, and constant human intelligence reviews are performed to ensure safety.”
Last year, the British company revealed that ruby mining at Montepuez Ruby Mining had generated one billion dollars (63.2 billion meticais) since 2012, noting that in 2023 alone, the miner had total revenues of 151.3 million dollars (9.5 billion meticais). A world leader in responsible mining and marketing of colored gemstones, Gemfields is also the operator and 75% owner of the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia, described as “the largest emerald mine in the world.” The company also holds bulk sampling licenses in Ethiopia.
Source: Diário Económico
