Sourcing

Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in Mozambique

SourcingJan 02, 2025

Gemfields Resumes Ruby Mining in Mozambique

The miner temporarily halted operations on Dec. 24 following an invasion at the mine.

Gemfields rough rubies
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 … 

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. 

The Latest

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

Tiffany & Co. Pop Up at U.S. Open
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US Open

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

Jewelers for Children logo
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ Challenge

Participants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

MJSA Logo
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Masaki Obu
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division Manager

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.

Michael Barabash and husband Raymond Cuadrado
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

John Hardy Dot Coil Necklace and Dot Hoop Earrings
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on Point

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy