Key operational personnel have returned to Gemfields’ majority-owned Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) operation in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, and basic operations have resumed.
Operational employees and contractors were ordered out of the 75%-owned MRM operation on October 20 following an insurgent attack on a neighbouring ruby mine located about 12 km south-east of MRM’s operations.
Following the attack, MRM’s security personnel and the Mozambique police force remained on site at MRM, while the Mozambique military arrived later the same day. The military will maintain a presence for the foreseeable future.
However, Gemfields states that, with the return of key operational personnel and resumption of some activities, mining and processing activities are ramping up in phases.
Gemfields says it and MRM remain on a state of high alert and maintain regular dialogue with government authorities with regard to security matters.