Gemfields says Montepuez operations in Mozambique under fire

(Alliance News) - Gemfields Group Ltd said on Thursday operations at its new processing plant in Mozambique came under renewed attack this week.

Montepuez Ruby Mining Ltda's second processing facility is in the final commissioning process.

The London-headquartered gemstones miner and marketer owns 75% interest in Mozambique-based Montepuez.

The latest threat came after a group of about 40 illegal miners marched on the mine gate at Montepuez on Wednesday, Gemfields said on Thursday.

These illegal miners attacked Mozambican police officers present at the gate, killing two. It confirmed that no Montepuez employees or contractors were injured in the attack and onsite conditions have been calm since.

In recent weeks, Gemfields has noted that the operation of Montepuez's new processing plant has been impacted by illegal miners, sabotaging the plant supply infrastructure.

Montepuez has been informed that the attack may be related to district immigration authorities investigating, earlier on Wednesday, suspected illegal immigrants in a local village.

Earlier this year, Montepuez faced disruptions following civil unrest in Mozambique from October 2024 to mid-January 2025.

Shares in Gemfields were up 0.7% to 6.04 pence in London on Thursday afternoon, while they fell 1.5% to ZAR1.34 in Johannesburg.

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News senior reporter South Africa

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Gemfields Grou.