Gemfields Ruby Mine Still Open, Despite Islamist Violence in Mozambique
July 24, 22
(IDEX Online) - Gemfields says operations at its ruby mine in Mozambique are continuing, with increased vigilance, despite an attack in the vicinity as party of an Islamic State-linked insurgency.
The London-based miner operates and owns 75 per cent of Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), which last month reported a record $95.6m revenue from online auction of its rubies.
Thousands of people have died since the start of the the Cabo Delgado insurgency in October 2017, aimed at establishing an Islamic state in Mozambique.
An attack earlier this month on the Muaja village area, 30km away, was the closest so far to the mine.
In a statement Gemfields said that it and MRM "hold the health and safety of their employees and contractors as their highest priority and remain in regular contact with government authorities as well as closely monitoring developments.
"Given recent developments and the associated security review, operations continue with increased vigilance."
Pic shows Gemfields rubies from its record sale in June.