Women on maternity leave will be able to stay for another three months to observe this period at Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM), which has decided to go beyond the law by doubling the mandatory 90 days to 180 days.

Social security will be responsible for the first three months and the company will pay the wages thereafter.

"This measure will allow its employees additional time to recover, strengthen the bond with their newborns and enable them to comply with the minimum duration of exclusive breastfeeding recommended by the World Health Organization and UNICEF," says a company statement sent to MZNews.

The extension of MRM's maternity leave entitlement represents a significant step towards eliminating the barriers that prevent women from pursuing a career in the mining sector, the document states.

In addition to the extended period of maternity leave, the mine's new policy incorporates other terms aimed at helping the well-being of new mothers and their newborns. From the third month of pregnancy and up to a year after returning to work, workers will be exempt from night shifts, overtime or any travel.

At the company's clinic, women will have a room for extracting and storing breast milk, allowing employees to take the milk home to use.

To ensure operational continuity, employees on maternity leave will be temporarily replaced by trainees. This approach has the secondary advantage of allowing people entering the job market the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the field.