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Gemfields said the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly and it is not yet possible to predict the full extent of the impact on its operations and revenues.

As of April 22, it has suspended all but critical operations at the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique. 

It noted that, as part of the government's COVID-19 response relating to overcrowded prisons, prisoners were released in the town of Montepuez, including about 150 illegal miners.

Given this and recent attacks on security teams at the mine as well as episodes of illegal mining activity on the concession, it has introduced additional security measures at Montepuez, increased the size of the security team and deployed patrol dogs. In addition, trained members of its security service providers have been equipped with firearms.

Gemfields has suspended all expansionary capital expenditure at the operation for the foreseeable future.