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Mozambique: Nyusi asks Balama residents to remain calm so that graphite production resumes at Syrah’s mine – report
3:30 CAT | 16 Dec 2024
File photo: Syrah Resources
On a working visit to Cabo Delgado last Friday (13-12), the Mozambican head of state, Filipe Nyusi, asked residents of Balama district for calm, so that Australian mining company Syrah Resources, now in its sixth year of operations in the province, could resume its graphite mining operations.
Speaking during the inauguration of a new National Social Security Institute (INSS) office there, Nyusi explained that the mining company’s investment was being shaken by the post-election demonstrations taking place in the country, promoted by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who is claiming victory in the October 9 elections.
“My request is that you don’t get so angry that you divorce this company which came to help us. Don’t get too angry, because the company is scaring me. I don’t know if the information that they want to close and leave because they’re not making any money here is real. From the little they do make you’re asking for more,” President Nyusi said.
READ: Syrah declares force majeure for its graphite mine in Mozambique – Bloomberg
In a statement to which AIM had access, Syrah Resources invoked “force majeure” on Thursday (12) to suspend its graphite mining operations, due to the worsening unrest resulting from demonstrations.
The demonstrations, which began on October 21, had already forced the company to restrict its activities.
Nyusi warned that the country is losing many jobs due to the demonstrations, a fact that affects other Mozambicans who depend on the mining company’s workers.
“We know that the money you receive is not enough. The salary of teachers, nurses, and secretaries is not enough, but when we all lose our jobs at the same time, there will be people who will look for your chickens and goats in your backyards because they won’t have anything to eat, and we will have difficulties and accuse each other of witchcraft,” he said.
Regarding the inauguration of the INSS branch, the president called for more people to contribute to their social security.
In addition to the working class, Nyusi explained that the district branch also includes farmers, carpenters, metalworkers, traders, and other professionals who can register to prepare for their future.
“This house is not only for those who work, but also for those who sell, who produce onions, tomatoes, garlic, mangoes. If they have a stall, they can come to this house and say: I want to prepare for my future, and here they will take a little, and when they don’t have the strength, they can come and get it,” he said.
The activities carried out on Friday by Nyusi are part of the working visit he made to Cabo Delgado.
Source: AIM Moçambique
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