Gemfields reports attack near Mozambique ruby mine
20/07/2022 09:59
July 20 (Reuters) - Precious gem producer Gemfields GMLJ.J
GEMGE.L on Wednesday reported an attack close to its ruby mine
in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, but said
operations had not been halted.
An Islamic State-linked insurgency in Cabo Delgado has
claimed thousands of lives since it broke out in 2017,
disrupting multi-billion-dollar natural gas and mining projects.
Gemfields, whose 75%-owned Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada
(MRM) produced 83,990 carats of premium rubies in 2021 and has
generated $827.1 million in sales since 2014, said the attack
took place on July 13.
"The attack reportedly took place in the Muaja village area,
which is some 30 kilometres (18.64 miles) by road from MRM. A
large number of people are reportedly relocating to Nanhupo and
Namanhumbir, where the mining operations are located," Gemfields
said in a statement.
The attack was closer to the mine than previous incidents,
the company said, adding that operations had not been halted,
but continued with "increased vigilance".
Attacks have impacted other mining firms in the region
recently. In June, Australia-listed Triton Minerals TON.AX
reported an attack on its Ancuabe graphite project site, while
Syrah Resources SYR.AX briefly suspended logistics and
personnel movement after attacks close to its primary transport
route.
Non-governmental organisations and Mozambican media
monitoring the insurgency last week reported a westward push by
the insurgents, who were reported to have beheaded two men
working the fields outside Muaja, less than 10 kilometres from
the district border with Montepuez.
Southern African countries, who along with Rwanda sent
troops to Mozambique last year to help quell the insurgency,
last week agreed to extend their deployment for another month.
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(Reporting by Nelson Banya, Editing by Helen Reid and Louise
Heavens)
((Nelson.Banya@thomsonreuters.com;))