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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
