Maputo, March 17, 2026 (Lusa) - The government of Mozambique announced on Tuesday that investors from the United Arab Emirates intend to install a gold refinery in the country, using modern technology and international certification standards.
According to a note from the Ministry of Economy, the investment proposal for the installation of a "gold refinery" in Mozambique was presented during an audience between Minister Basílio Muhate and representatives of the Arab-Mozambican Chamber of Commerce (CCAM) in Maputo.
A gold refinery involves an industrial purification process that transforms raw or recycled gold into high-purity gold.
"In addition to the mining sector, the entrepreneurs also expressed interest in investing in the areas of agriculture, the food industry, and fisheries, which are fundamental sectors for economic diversification and job creation," the document reads.
According to Mozambique's government, the meeting strengthens economic cooperation relations between Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates and opens new opportunities for the country's industrial development.
Mozambican gold production fell by 17% in 2025 to 1.349 tonnes, missing defined targets due to the suspension of extraction activities in Manica over environmental concerns, according to official data reported today by Lusa.
According to a government document on the 2025 budget execution, this represents only 82% of the target set for last year, following a regular annual growth rate of up to a record 1.641 tonnes of gold in 2024.
"This reduction results from the halt of gold extraction activities in Manica, as this is one of the highest-producing provinces for large and small-scale artisanal mining companies," it said.
Production in 2025 fell back to 2022 levels, when 1.263 tonnes of gold were recorded.
Mozambique expects to produce more than 1.723 tonnes of gold in 2026, which, if attained, would be a new annual record, according to government projections.
"The increase in gold production will result from the good performance of the two main companies in the sector and investment in expanding production capacity," the government said in the supporting documents for the 2026 Economic and Social Plan and State Budget proposal.
LCE/ RYOL // ADB.
Lusa
