This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 20 in 2025. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
The political chaos culminating in protests over Mozambique’s disputed elections — reaffirming the governing Frelimo party’s decades-long hold on power — has had widespread repercussions on the country’s entire economic system. The ruby mines in Cabo Delgado, operated by Gemfields in partnership with the local MRM, have faced escalating unrest, with several serious incidents reported in recent months.
The challenges faced by the ruby extraction sector are not an isolated case. The region has long been far from peaceful, plagued by a violent insurgency led by a group locally known as al-Shabab. This group began its attacks in 2017, citing grievances over exclusion from wealth. Their brutality — including beheadings and kidnappings — has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 people and displaced nearly a million. In 2021, a devastating attack on the town of Palma forced TotalEnergies to suspend its ambitious liquefied natural gas (LNG) project for an extended period.
According to many observers, the consequent increase in the presence of both foreign and Mozambican military forces has led to widespread abuses, further fueling insurgent recruitment and alienating a population already disillusioned by unmet promises of economic development.
In this volatile context, even the ruby mines have become targets. In a statement released in October, Gemfields reported being aware of a «disinformation campaign circulating on social media and promoted by ruby smuggling syndicates». The campaign falsely claimed that MRM had opened its mine to public access for 24 hours, allegedly to create chaos within the concession and supply the syndicates with more rubies.
On November 15, 2024, over 150 attackers stormed MRM’s Maninge Nice mine, taking hostages and targeting ruby-rich gravel. The attack, reportedly financed by illegal buyers, led to several arrests. In December, amidst ongoing political instability, another group of over 200 individuals attempted to invade MRM Village, setting fire to community structures and clashing with security forces. Tragically, two people lost their lives in the incident. Nearby, looters raided a vocational training center in Wikupuri, stealing farming supplies intended to support local livelihoods. Due to the heightened security risks, several individuals had to be temporarily relocated to offsite locations.
Gemfields has stated that the company has generated more than $1.055 billion (€982.7 million), contributing $257.4 million (€239.7 million) to the Mozambican state through royalties and taxes. An increase in production and export levels is anticipated from the second half of 2025, driven by the opening of a new production plant.
Gem News published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #20 – Winter 2024/25
