Mozambique ruby production surges in first half of 2026

Mozambique recorded a substantial rise in gemstone extraction during the initial six months of 2026, with official statistics revealing that output reached 3.18 million carats. This figure marks an increase of 61 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The total extracted so far corresponds to roughly 78 percent of the government’s full-year target of 4.06 million carats.

This upward trajectory in Mozambique ruby production was primarily driven by extraction enterprises operating within Cabo Delgado, according to a local media report. Located in the northern region of the nation, the province stands as the chief gem-producing area and contains one of the planet’s largest known ruby deposits.

The principal commercial entity in the sector is Montepuez Ruby Mining, which is 75 percent owned by the London-listed firm Gemfields, while local company Mwiriti Limitada retains the remaining 25 percent stake. The joint venture manages the Montepuez mining site, characterised by Gemfields as one of the world’s most significant deposits of rough stones.

Market destination and targets for Mozambique ruby production

An overwhelming majority of the country’s output is allocated for international trade. Official planning documentation shows that approximately 70 percent of national yield is currently exported, with state authorities aiming to elevate this proportion to 79 percent by 2029. 

Gemfields disposes of rough gemstones via international auctioning events, attracting commercial buyers from various global jurisdictions. Previous sales events have taken place in commercial centres including Singapore and Bangkok, while Sri Lanka and Thailand continue to function as vital trading and processing hubs for Mozambican gems.

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During 2025, auction receipts generated by Montepuez Ruby Mining totalled at least US$49.9 million. This overall revenue comprised US$7.2 million from an auction held in April, US$31.7 million from a sale in June, and US$11.0 million from an auction across September and October.

The recent growth in Mozambique ruby production follows an annual yield of 5.1 million carats in 2025, which rose from 3.95 million carats in 2024 and 2.71 million carats in 2023. Nevertheless, the government established a lower annual benchmark for 2026 than the volume achieved in 2025. 

This cautious projection stems from operational constraints at the nation’s third-largest producing mine, where activity has been suspended. Furthermore, Montepuez Ruby Mining has highlighted persistent difficulties regarding illegal mining and unauthorised gemstone trading across its concession area.