This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, Saniniu Laizer, a 52-year-old Tanzanian small-scale miner, made history by selling two massive Tanzanite gemstones for a whopping TSh7.8 billion (US$3.5 million) during a trading event in Manyara.
According to Tanzania's Ministry of Mining, the two dark violet-blue gemstones weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg are the largest stones ever found in the country.
Laizer, who is married to four wives and has over 30 children, attributed his success to hard work and determination, saying, "Focus, determination, hardworking and consistency is my big secret, I thank everyone."
He plans to use part of the windfall to build a school and a shopping mall in his Simanjiro home district in Manyara, saying, "I want to build a shopping mall and a school… near my home. There are many poor people around here who can’t afford to take their children to school."
President John Magufuli congratulated Laizer on his achievement, saying it was a confirmation that the country is rich.
