Maputo, Oct. 2, 2025 (Lusa) - A police officer was killed while on duty at the Moma mine in northern Mozambique, one of the world's largest producers of titanium and zircon, when he was attacked during a robbery at the facilities, mining operator Kenmare announced on Thursday.
In a statement released today, the company said that the incident took place on 30 September when the agent was on duty at the Pilivili water pumping station, about 16 kilometres from the mineral separation plant in Moma, Nampula province, suffering serious head trauma and died at the mining company's clinic.
"The incident appears to have been motivated by theft, with the electrical cable that feeds the pumping station being stolen," explains Kenmare, adding that the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) has sent an investigation team to the scene.
The company also said that it was increasing security at Moma to allow security guards to work in pairs, with Kenmare's managing director, Tom Hickey, recognising the "deep dismay" at the "tragic incident".
"We are actively supporting the investigation and working closely with PRM," said the managing director.
The company is one of the world's largest producers of mineral sands, listed on the London and Dublin stock exchanges. Its production in Mozambique accounts for approximately 7% of global titanium raw materials, with customers in more than 15 countries that utilize its heavy minerals in paints, plastics, and ceramics.
The mining company announced in August that it was holding negotiations with Mozambique's government to renew the Moma exploration agreement, but it still remains without an agreement, eight months after the previous one expired.
"Kenmare confirms that it is still in negotiations with the Government of Mozambique and that the final terms for renewal have not yet been finalised. Operations at Moma continue normally and have not been affected by the discussions," reads a statement from the mining company to the markets, reported at the time by Lusa, denying that it had already signed a new Implementation Agreement (IA).
It adds, in the same information, that it "has been conducting the extension process with the Mozambican government since the end of 2022" and that it is "in dialogue with the government about possible changes" to the IA that expired at the end of last year.
"Although the original expiry date was 21 December 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has confirmed that Kenmare's existing rights and benefits remain in full force and effect, pending the conclusion of the extension process," it said.
Australian company Kenmare has been operating in Mozambique for over 30 years and manages the Moma mine, one of the world's largest producers of titanium and zircon, situated in Nampula Province.
In 2024, Kenmare's profits fell by 50% to $64.9 million (€60.2 million), the Australian mining company announced in a report to the market earlier this year.
The mining company's information then added that revenue from Moma's products fell by 10% in 2024, to $392.1 million (€363.2 million), "due to a 14% reduction in the average price received for Kenmare's products, partially offset by a 4% increase in shipments".
PVJ/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
