MAPUTO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Mozambican government announced on Friday in Maputo that it will compensate those who denounce smugglers of precious stone as a way to curb the illicit mining business.
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Max Tonela said on the sidelines of the Coordinating Council meeting of the ministry that the mechanisms and compensation amount to the complainants are still under evaluation.
"The state loses high values by trafficking gems across borders and airports," said Tonela, adding that one of the measures to respond to smuggling is to participate the cases in the authorities.
According to the minister, informants may receive a portion of the products seized by the authorities or monetary compensation.
"Marts have been set up for the legal sale of precious stones, this will encourage local garimpeiros (illegal miners) to join the formal market of gems trading," said Max.
