London-listed emerald and ruby miner Gemfields has suspended work in Mozambique, where two looters were shot dead during a raid that saw buildings set alight.
The firm, which owns Faberge, said more than 200 people linked to illegal ruby mining attacked a village built by the company next to its Montepuez Ruby Mining operation on Christmas Eve.
Two people were shot and killed as security forces made up of Mozambican police and military moved to protect the village.
Work at ruby mine halted after attack on company village
Gemfields, one of the largest miners of coloured gems, said the incident came as groups sought to take advantage of ‘the prevailing political unrest in Mozambique’.
The country has been gripped by violent protests after an election that opposition parties claim was rigged in favour of the ruling Frelimo party.
Gemfields halted operations on Christmas Eve, relocating some of its 500-plus staff. They are now returning, and the firm ‘intends to return to normal operations before the end of the year’.
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