Gemfields Group has issued a warning about potential disruptions to its operations at the Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada (MRM), its largest ruby mine in Mozambique, following escalating violence linked to the country’s disputed October elections.
The unrest, which has rocked the northern Cabo Delgado province and other parts of the country, follows widespread protests against the recent electoral victory of the ruling Frelimo party. Mozambique’s Supreme Court upheld Frelimo’s win, but opposition groups have fiercely contested the result, alleging that the vote was rigged in favor of the long-dominant political party.
The protests have turned violent, with at least 130 people reported dead in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, according to civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide. As a result, the conflict has spilled over into other sectors, including the mining industry, which is a critical part of Mozambique’s economy. The operations of several foreign mining companies, including South32, have also been affected by the ongoing unrest.
Gemfields, which owns a 75% stake in the Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada, said that criminal groups involved in the illegal mining and trade of rubies have taken advantage of the political instability to further their activities. On Monday, multiple buildings in the village of Namanhumbir, located near the ruby mine, were set on fire. These included the local police station, a community center, and an MRM office, all of which had been established by the company as part of its community outreach initiatives.
The company expressed concern that the violence could interfere with the functioning of the ruby mine. “Given the trajectory of the ongoing unrest, we anticipate potential interruptions to MRM’s mining operations,” a Gemfields spokesperson said in a statement.
The situation in nearby villages has also worsened, with reports of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure. In one village, a water borehole essential to the local community was destroyed, while in another, the police station, the residence of the local police commander, and the district administrative offices were set on fire. These attacks further highlight the growing tensions and the challenges faced by companies operating in the region.
Gemfields, which employs around 1,400 people at its MRM operations, has emphasized its commitment to maintaining security at the mine and ensuring the safety of its workers. However, with the situation rapidly evolving, it is unclear how the ongoing instability will affect future operations.
Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique for more than four decades, has long faced accusations of electoral manipulation, with opposition parties and international observers alleging that the latest election was marred by fraud. Despite these claims, the Frelimo government has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and the National Electoral Commission has yet to address the mounting allegations of electoral fraud.
As the political crisis continues to unfold, the effects on the country’s mining sector—and the livelihoods of thousands of Mozambicans dependent on it—remain a growing concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, while companies like Gemfields are forced to navigate an increasingly volatile environment.