‘Ruby rush’ brings misery to village
Nearly a decade after rubies were first found in northern Mozambique, the discovery has proven a poisoned chalice, domestic traditional ruler Cristina Joaquim says.
The village of Nthoro, sitting atop the ruby deposits has been targeted by gangs – allegedly backed by police – who have burnt homes and smashed belongings in an apparent attempt to force residents to move.
On the road to the village of around 12,000 people, dozens of signs warn villagers: “You’re in the mining concession area of MRM. It is forbidden to farm, cultivate, build homes or do any mining.”
Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), a subsidiary of London-based Gemfields, won the mining rights to 36,000ha of ruby-rich land in the former Portuguese colony in 2011.
The discovery of the precious red gemstone by a woodcutter just nine years ago sparked a “ruby rush” in Mozambique, which now accounts for 80% of the world’s production.
“We had a good life, but when our land became a mining concession area, everything changed,” Queen Cristina said. “Many people have fled.” Located in the Montepuez district of Cabo Delgado province, Nthoro has no piped water or electricity and its houses are built of wooden stakes and dried grass. A security fence surrounds the village.
The only sign of public services is a police station – staffed by a military police unit.
Cristina accuses the authorities of wanting to drive villagers off the land to avoid having to resettle them elsewhere.
MRM is 75% owned by Gemfields and the rest by Mwiriti Limitada, a Mozambican company co-owned by army general Raimundo Pachinuapa – a senior member of the ruling Frelimo party.
Near Nthoro, the mining company’s main camp has power, running water, restaurants and even a health clinic.
About 100 Mozambicans have joined a lawsuit in Britain alleging human rights abuses, including being shot at, beaten and unlawfully detained. Four families say their sons were shot dead by mine security.
Gemfields said it could not comment because of the court proceedings.