Ruby Mining Suspended after Two Shot Dead in Mozambique
December 30, 24
(IDEX Online) - Work has been halted at Gemfields' Montepuez ruby mine (MRM), Mozambique, after two people were shot dead during an attempt to storm the deposit.
The country has been in turmoil since the disputed 9 October elections that saw the Frelimo party extend its 58-year rule.
Violence intensified after 23 December, when the results were upheld by the Mozambican Constitutional Council.
More than 200 people tried to invade the MRM Village close to the mine - where workers are housed - on Christmas Eve (24 December).
Gemfields said groups associated with illegal ruby mining were taking advantage of the
prevailing political unrest in Mozambique.
"During their approach they set fire to external structures built by MRM and containing, inter alia, a community cash point," the UK-based company said in a statement.
Mozambican police and soldiers shot and killed two people during the incident.
Gemfields said operations at the mine have been halted as a result, but it hopes to resume work by tomorrow (31 December). Some of the 500 people working in the area were relocated.
Pic courtesy Gemfields shows the Montepuez ruby mine.