Gemfields Fears for Safety of Ruby Workers Amid Political Unrest 

Gemfields may have to halt operations at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique as political unrest has led to attacks near the site. 

On Monday, the Mozambican Constitutional Council upheld the highly disputed October election results in which the ruling party prevailed, a move that has given rise to turmoil in the area, Gemfields said Tuesday. Although Montepuez is the miner’s main asset in the country, it also operates the Megaruma, Campos De Joia and Eastern Ruby Mining deposits. 

Groups associated with illegal mining and trading of rubies have taken advantage of the political instability to cause trouble, including setting fires to nearby villages, police stations, and some of Gemfields’ offices and property. They have also sabotaged and cut off the water supply to both the local community and the village that houses Montepuez employees, Gemfields explained. 

While the attacks have not yet caused the company to pause its ruby operations, it may have to if the situation deteriorates. 

“The company’s priority remains the safety and security of its employees, contractors and community members,” Gemfields said. “Based on the trajectory of the ongoing situation, there may be interruptions to Montepuez’s mining operations resulting from this unrest. The company continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and will provide further updates as necessary.”

Image: Florescence testing on Montepuez rubies. (Gemfields)