Mozambican President Armando Guebuza has urged residents of Msawise in the northern province of Niassa to engage in sustainable ruby mining in the region
Guebuza, who was addressing a rally in the district of Mavago, added that wise exploitation of rubies and mineral resources was one of the major challenges faced by Mozambicans.
“The government intends to improve the mining of rubies in Msawise, which should benefit all local residents. Sustainable mining of ruby can bring prosperity to the region and its people”, he said, while answering concerns raised by the local residents who had complained that authorities have forced a number of people to stop their ruby mining activities.
A resident of the area and miner, Ascimo Mbwana, said, “There is plenty of wealth beneath the ground in Msawise but it is not benefiting anyone because of police actions. When the mines were discovered they used to generate plenty of wealth for the local population, but now we are being chased away by the police.”
The government had to intensify police action in the area to ensure rubies were not mined illegally as in the recent past Msawise was invaded by foreigners who used to mine rubies illegally.
