In 2024, Mozambique was the world's second-ranked producer of ilmenite, accounting for an estimated 21% of global production; third-ranked producer of zirconium mineral concentrates, accounting for an estimated 10% of global production; fourth-ranked producer of graphite, accounting for 3% of global production; fifth-ranked producer of beryllium, accounting for 1% of global production; and sixth-ranked producer of tantalum, accounting for 2% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included aluminum, bauxite, clays, cement, diatomite, gemstones (aquamarine, garnet, ruby, and tourmaline), gold, gravel, refined lead, niobium, rutile, salt, sand, and stone (crushed and dimension). The mining industry contributed about 15% to Mozambique’s gross domestic product and \$4.6 billion to the country’s total output. Mozambique exported heavy-mineral sands to China, aluminum to Singapore, and gemstones (mostly rubies) to the United Arab Emirates. Mineral-related exports to the United States included gemstones, bauxite, and aluminum.
The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Mozambique is provided by the Mining Law (law No. 20/2014 of August 18). The Ministério dos Recursos Minerais e Energia [The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy] oversees the mineral sector and provides services as the central governmental body responsible for guiding and ensuring the implementation of national policy on geologic research, the exploration of mineral and energy resources, and the development and expansion of infrastructure for the supply of electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products. Most mineral commodities were produced by private companies.
