London-listed miner pauses Mozambique operation amid political unrest

Gemfields makes decision over ruby mining after groups took advantage' of situation to try to invade its site

The London-listed mining company Gemfields said it had temporarily halted its ruby mining operation in Mozambique after groups took advantage" of political unrest to set fire and attempt to invade its site, resulting in two deaths.

Gemfields, one of the world's largest miners of coloured gemstones, said more than 200 people associated with illegal ruby mining attempted to invade the residential village built by the company next to its Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) operation in northern Mozambique on Christmas Eve.