This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, a significant discovery was made in Tanzania's gemstone mining industry. A 51-year-old Tanzanian Maasai tribesman unearthed two large Tanzanite gemstones, weighing a total of about 14 kilograms.
The Tanzanian government, led by Minister of Minerals Doto Biteko, purchased the gemstones for Tsh7.74 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $3.34 million). At a ceremony in Manyara region, Biteko handed the small-scale miner a cheque on behalf of the government.
According to Minister Biteko, President John Magufuli directed the government to acquire the gemstones and display them at the National Museum in Dar es Salaam, allowing tourists to admire these precious stones.
Notably, this discovery comes after President Magufuli's directive in September 2017 to construct a wall around the Tanzanite mining area to prevent smuggling.
