Mozambique illegal miners seize control of Nairoto gold mine

• Illegal miners have taken control of the Nairoto gold mine in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.
• The occupation began days after a terrorist attack on the mine in October 2025, which had left the site abandoned.
• Raimundo Pachinuapa's company, Mwirit Mining Limitada, holds mining concessions and licenses in the area.
• The incident raises concerns about compliance with mining regulations and potential liabilities for Pachinuapa's company.

Despite a police force being deployed to the area, the illegal miners, who outnumber the deployed personnel, 'are extracting gold there. The deployed Defense and Security Forces are unable to ensure the site's security.'

A group of illegal miners has taken control of the Nairoto gold mine in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, raising concerns about security and compliance. The occupation began days after a terrorist attack on the mine in October 2025, which had left the site abandoned. Despite the deployment of police forces to the area, the illegal miners have outnumbered them and are extracting gold from the site. This development has sparked fears about the potential impact on mining concessions and licenses held by Raimundo Pachinuapa's company, Mwirit Mining Limitada.

Raimundo Pachinuapa, a retired General and member of the Frelimo party's Political Commission, holds 60% of the shares in Mwiriti, which is the junior partner in Montepuez Rubies Mining (MRM). As the largest shareholder, Pachinuapa also holds a significant number of licenses in Cabo Delgado. The occupation of the Nairoto gold mine raises questions about compliance with mining regulations and potential liabilities for Pachinuapa's company. Lawyers should be aware of these developments and consider their implications for clients involved in similar situations.

The occupation of the Nairoto gold mine is a significant development that highlights the challenges faced by mining companies operating in Mozambique. The incident also underscores the need for effective security measures and compliance with regulations to prevent such incidents. As the largest shareholder, Raimundo Pachinuapa's company may face potential liabilities and reputational damage due to the occupation of the mine. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust risk management and compliance strategies in the mining industry.

Lawyers should watch for potential compliance exposures related to the occupation of Nairoto gold mine, including any impact on mining concessions and licenses held by Raimundo Pachinuapa's company.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica