Rare Tanzanite Finds Earn Millions for Small-Scale Miner Compiled the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® Tanzanite, a rare, valuable gemstone sometimes violet-blue but also at times green, blue, purple or red, was discovered in 1967. The world’s most valuable mineral, 1000 times more valuable than diamonds, tanzanite is found only in northern Tanzania in Manyara, which appears to be the only source. One small-scale miner, Saniniu Laizer, a former Masai herdsman with a government prospecting license, became an instant millionaire when he found two huge tanzanite stones, each worth $3.35 million. The first stone weighed almost 21 pounds, and the second 11 pounds. In June 2020, he sold these gemstones to the government in a public celebration ceremony. Shortly afterward, Laizer found another tanzanite stone almost one-half mile underground weighing nearly 14 pounds and once again sold to the government for $2 million. Although initially believing in luck, Laizer now credits his hard work, predicting his mine will soon yield more stones. Lazier was able to sell his gemstones to the government because of a trading center to help small miners in the area. The government assured the public the country will remain in control of the mines so that all finds will benefit all of Tanzania. Even further, Minister Biteko stated foreigners were not welcome to invest in the mines. As a deterent to smugglers and a protection for small-scale miners, in 2017, President John Magufuli ordered his military to construct a nearly 15-mile wall around the Merelani mine area. Since it was built, mine revenues quadrupled in two years. As for Saniniu Laizer, his plans are to continue his lifestyle, which includes his 4 wives, 32 children, and 2000 head of cattle. He already used some of the money to help his community in the Simanjiro district in northern Manyara, building two schools for children and a local health facility. Urging other Tanzanians to trust their government, Laizer is happy with compensation from officials due to their transparent procedures in valuing the stones. Tanzanite rough stone and cut stone. Photo courtesy of D. Descouens. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en. Saniniu Laizer becomes a millionaire. Photo courtesy of the United Republic of Tanzania - Ministry of Minerals. MIN 44 AUGUST 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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