SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningSourcingJan 02, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in Mozambique
The miner temporarily halted operations on Dec. 24 following an invasion at the mine.
On Dec. 24, Gemfields temporarily shut down operations at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique after two days of violence near and on the premises.
London—Gemfields said it has resumed mining at its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique after temporarily suspending operations in the wake of attacks by groups it said are associated with the illegal ruby mining and trading.
In an email to National Jeweler on Jan. 2, the mining company confirmed that mining activity is “running at full capacity and the situation in the communities surrounding the mine appears calm.”
Gemfields added, “We remain vigilant and hopeful for peace in Mozambique.”
On Dec. 24, Gemfields said it was temporarily suspending operations at Montepuez, which it owns in partnership with local company Mwiriti Limitada.
Montepuez is the largest of several operations Gemfields has in Mozambique’s northernmost province, Cabo Delgado.
Gemfields said there was a “staged attempted invasion” on the mine’s village, with a group of more than 200 individuals setting fire to buildings, including a community cash point.
Mozambican police and military protected the area using a “staged escalation of force,” Gemfields said, and two in the invading group were shot and later died in the hospital.
Also on Dec. 24, property in the nearby village of Wikupuri was looted and damaged.
Individuals targeted the mine’s vocational training center, taking farming equipment provided by the mine for distribution to more than 800 local farmers.
The mining company said it relocated some of its personnel to offsite locations but began a phased return Dec. 26.
Related stories will be right here …
In an email to National Jeweler on Jan. 2, the mining company confirmed that mining activity is “running at full capacity and the situation in the communities surrounding the mine appears calm.”
Gemfields added, “We remain vigilant and hopeful for peace in Mozambique.”
On Dec. 24, Gemfields said it was temporarily suspending operations at Montepuez, which it owns in partnership with local company Mwiriti Limitada.
Montepuez is the largest of several operations Gemfields has in Mozambique’s northernmost province, Cabo Delgado.
Gemfields said there was a “staged attempted invasion” on the mine’s village, with a group of more than 200 individuals setting fire to buildings, including a community cash point.
Mozambican police and military protected the area using a “staged escalation of force,” Gemfields said, and two in the invading group were shot and later died in the hospital.
Also on Dec. 24, property in the nearby village of Wikupuri was looted and damaged.
Individuals targeted the mine’s vocational training center, taking farming equipment provided by the mine for distribution to more than 800 local farmers.
The mining company said it relocated some of its personnel to offsite locations but began a phased return Dec. 26.
Gemfields said the groups executing the attacks are “associated with illegal ruby mining” and are looking to take advantage of the political unrest rising throughout Mozambique as a result of the country’s contested presidential election, which took place in October.
Until Dec. 24, when it first mentioned possible disruptions at Montepuez due to the conflict, the mining company had maintained that it was aware of the situation, but operations had not been affected.
However, the turmoil in the East Africa nation was exacerbated on Dec. 23, when the Mozambican Constitutional Council upheld the election results in favor of the candidate for the long-governing party, the Frelimo Party’s Daniel Chapo, who is accused of rigging the election.
The top opposition candidate, Venancio Mondlane, has declared himself the actual winner of the election and has called on Mozambicans to shut down the country, according to The New York Times, leading to protests nationwide.
Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM), a local news source, said Mondlane “demanded an end to all mining” until Jan. 15, the date of the presidential inauguration ceremony.
On the day of the constitutional council’s ruling, Gemfields said a group of individuals targeted Namanhumbir, the village immediately adjacent to mine’s village, setting fire to the police station, as well as the mine’s Operational Grievance Mechanism, the community center, and the community radio center.
In the village of Nanune, the water supply was cut off and in Wikupuri, instigators set fire to the police station, the police commander’s home, and the administrative offices of the Namanhumbir district.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minster sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
AuctionsJun 10, 2025
Noonans to Auction 16th-Century Signet RingIt's one of the “Gresham grasshopper” rings English financier Sir Thomas Gresham was known to gift to acquaintances or business associates.
CollectionsJun 10, 2025
Tabayer Names Mary Chiam as CEOThe brand also debuted its new “Zorae” collection featuring a talisman of protection and harmony inspired by a sheaf of wheat.
MajorsJun 10, 2025
Lauren Johansen Joins Loudr As Loudr’s new account manager, Johansen will partner with clients to craft and execute marketing strategies.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2025
And the Winners of the 2025 Couture Design Awards Are … Designers were recognized in 12 categories, from platinum to pearls, before the evening ended with a new, retail-focused award.
AuctionsJun 09, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Sells for $1.2MThe rare turquoise and diamond jewel was the top lot at Bonhams’ June jewelry sale.
IndependentsJun 09, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
