Mozambique Gold Production Falls 17% in 2025 as Government Halts Mining in Manica Over Environmental Damage
Mozambique’s gold production declined by 17% to 1.349 tonnes in 2025, falling short of official targets after mining operations in Manica Province were suspended due to environmental concerns, according to government data.
Figures contained in the government’s budget execution report for 2025 show that gold production reached only 82% of the planned target, interrupting a pattern of steady annual growth recorded in previous years. Output had reached a record 1.641 tonnes in 2024 before the downturn.
“This reduction results from the suspension of gold mining activities in Manica, which is one of the provinces with the highest output in large-scale artisanal and small-scale mining operations,” the report stated.
As a result, national gold production in 2025 fell back to levels similar to those recorded in 2022, when output totaled 1.263 tonnes.
Looking ahead, the government has projected gold production of more than 1.723 tonnes in 2026. If achieved, this would establish a new annual production record, supported by improved performance from major operators and planned investments to expand production capacity.
“The increase in gold production will result from the strong performance of the two main companies in the sector and investment in expanding production capacity,” the government said in supporting documents for the 2026 Economic and Social Plan and State Budget proposal.
The suspension of mining activities in Manica was formally enacted on 30 September, when the government halted all mining licences in the province and established an interministerial commission to review the licensing framework, strengthen regulatory oversight, and implement environmental rehabilitation measures.
According to government officials, the suspension applies broadly to both licensed operators and informal miners in order to curb environmental degradation and restore regulatory control over the sector.
“The suspension should be applied comprehensively, covering licensed operators and those operating irregularly, in order to halt environmental degradation and create conditions for institutional reorganisation that ensures sustainable operations,” said Inocêncio Impissa.
Earlier, on 17 September, President Daniel Chapo warned that mining activities in Manica had caused what he described as an “environmental disaster” in the province.
His statement followed an assessment conducted by the operational command of the Defence and Security Forces, which visited the province between 17 and 19 July to evaluate the environmental and security situation linked to mining operations.
The assessment identified widespread uncontrolled mining activities, including operations by licensed companies lacking environmental recovery plans or proper waste containment systems. Authorities also reported violations of labor standards and unsafe working conditions.
Officials further highlighted security concerns, noting the involvement of foreign groups in illegal mining activities. These groups were reported to have entered the country through informal border routes and to be linked to parallel networks engaged in illicit gold trading, extortion, and other criminal activities that contribute to social instability.
The government described the environmental situation in Manica as critical, citing severe river pollution caused by untreated mining waste and direct ore washing in waterways.
Authorities reported that several rivers had turned reddish, turbid, and opaque due to contamination.
The interministerial commission established to address the crisis includes representatives from multiple government departments, including Defence, Mineral Resources and Energy, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Finance, Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries, Health, Justice, and Labour, Gender and Social Action.
