25 October 2022
Cabo Delgado insurgency update
Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada (“MRM”), in which Gemfields holds a 75% interest, has been remaining vigilant as attacks reportedly attributed to insurgent activity have taken place in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.
MRM took the decision to evacuate the site in response to a reported attack in the neighbouring vicinity on 20 October 2022. The Mozambique military arrived at MRM later that day and advised that it will maintain a presence for the foreseeable future. MRM began a phased return to site from 24 October 2022 and basic operations have since resumed.
On 20 October 2022, an attack attributed to insurgent activity was reported at the neighbouring ruby mine belonging to Gemrock, which lies approximately 12km south-east of MRM’s operations.
Gemfields and MRM hold the health and safety of their employees and contractors as their highest priority. As a consequence of the reported neighbouring attack, MRM initiated the process of evacuating operational employees and contractors, and therefore mining operations at the site ceased. Security personnel and Mozambique police force remained on site and the Government of Mozambique deployed the national Defence Forces to the area, who arrived later that day and will maintain a presence for the foreseeable future.
Key operational personnel have now returned to MRM and basic operations have resumed. Mining and processing activities are being resumed in phases after giving due consideration to the threat perceptions in the licence area.
MRM remains on a state of high alert and maintains regular dialogue with government authorities.
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