Mozambique firm confirms ordering ammonium nitrate that caused explosion in Lebanon

A Portuguese-owned firm in Mozambique has confirmed ordering the 2.7 tonnes of ammonium nitrate that caused the devastating explosion in Lebanon, capital, Beirut, last week, Mozambican media has reported.

Fabrica de Explosivos de Mocambique (Fem) was quoted as saying that it was a “normal order”, which complied with legal requirements.

The order had been placed with a Georgian firm in 2013, and the ammonium nitrate was to have been shipped to the port in Beira in central Mozambique, it added.

The seizure of the cargo by Lebanese authorities prompted it to order another shipment, Fem was quoted as saying.

Mozambique’s transport ministry has previously denied knowledge of the order.

The Portuguese-owned firm’s website says that it makes and supplies commercial explosives.