Tanzanian small-scale miner strike a $2 million Tanzanite

By Our Correspondent, MANYARA Tanzania

A Tanzanian small-scale miner, who became an overnight billionaire in June this year for selling two rough Tanzanite stones valued at 7.86 billion shillings ($3.4 million), has sold another gem for 4.6 billion ($2 million).

The third discovery by Saniniu Laizer weighed 6.3kg (14lb).

Tanzanite is only found in Manyara region in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments.

It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years.

The precious stone's appeal lies in its variety of hues, including green, red, purple and blue.

Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity, the higher the price.

Lazier urged his fellow small-scale miners to work with the government, saying that his experience was a good example.

"Selling to the government means there are no shortcuts... they are transparent," he said in his remarks at a ceremony in the northern Mirerani mine.

Artisanal miners often complain about late payments of their royalties by mine owners.

In June he sold two rocks to the government weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg respectively.

On his Monday sale, he said the money will be used to build a school and a health facility in his community in Simanjiro district in northern Manyara region.

He told reporters two months ago that the windfall would not change his lifestyle, and that he planned to continue looking after his 2,000 cows, adding that he did not need to take any extra precautions despite his new-found riches.

Minister for Mining, Dotto Biteko, assured miners that the government is ready to support all faithful miners by providing competitive prices.

"Initially, other countries were benefiting much from Tanzanite because of loose control; now the Tanzania is getting its right share." Biteko said.

Some small-scale miners like Laizer acquire government licences to prospect for Tanzanite, but illegal mining is prevalent especially near mines owned by big companies.

In 2017, President of Tanzania, John Magufuli ordered the country military (TPDF) to build a 24km (14-mile) perimeter wall around the Mirerani mining site in Manyara, believed to be the world's only source of Tanzanite.

A year later, the government reported an increase in revenue in the mining sector and attributed the rise to the construction of the wall. - Africa