Maputo, 29 Dec (AIM) – One of the largest ruby mines in the world, operated by MRM (Montepuez Ruby Mining), in Montepuez district, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado has closed temporarily, following an invasion of the MRM premises by rioters supposedly loyal to exiled presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane.
According to a report in the daily electronic paper, the “Mozambique Times”, an authorised company source has confirmed that the mine will only be reopened when there is an understanding between the Mozambican political players.
MRM is 75 per cent owned by the London-based company Gemfields. Since the beginning of the post-election rioting, there have been several attempts to break into the mine, but this is the first time it has been closed.
In the worst incident, a group of rioters vandalised, looted and set fire to heavy equipment in the MRM’s processing infrastructure, including excavators, trucks and loaders. After confronting the defence and security forces, the rioters went on to attack the tourmaline vault, opening it after four hours and stealing more than 300 kilos of precious stones.
This is a severe blow to the Mozambican state, since MRM has been a reliable taxpayer, channelling income from its regular ruby auctions to the Mozambican exchequer,
MRM is the latest mining company to suspend its operations because of the post-election violence.
The Australian company Syrah Resources, which mines graphite in Balama, also in Cabo Delgado, declared “force majeure” to halt mining operations, due to the climate of instability.
No doubt Venancio Mondlane regards this as a triumph. From his hideout somewhere in Europe he had demanded an end to all mining until 15 January, the date when he says he will be sworn into office as President.
There will be an inauguration ceremony on 15 January, but the person taking office will almost certainly by Mondlane’s rival from the ruling Frelimo Party, Daniel Chapo.
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