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Mererani to resume mining after meeting conditions

By Boniface Kiwia

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has said  that it will allow mining in quarries in Merarani  that  will  fulfil the laid down safety conditions.  Small scale mining was suspended in the area last month  after an accident that claimed 39 lives.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha outlined the conditions recently when he toured the mines to get first hand information on the  implementation of the Prime Minister's directive that suspended  mining activities for thirty days. 

Dr. Msabaha  noted that  mining activities in and around the ill fated quarry in Block B belonging to Mr. Raymond Kishimbua would continue to be on hold  until the probe committee concludes its findings.

Some of the conditions on   mine safety  that need to be enforced include  clean environment, workers' identification cards, attendance register, proper mining gear such as helmets and a communication network between those in pits and  staff on the surface.

Other conditions include installation of  air compressors, power generators with  exhaust outlets and certified  rock blasting equipment.

A Mine Inspector,  Mr. Pius Lobe will soon be stationed at Mererani.

The Deputy Minister also  commended AFGEM for their participation in recovering bodies from the mines after the accident

AFGEM’s General manager, Mr. Joe Kimble promised that his firm would give technical advice, when required,   to small scale miners during the implementation of the directive on mine safety.

Meanwhile, Tiffany & Co., world-renowned US jewellery store and initial marketer of tanzanite, has announced that it will resume sales of the rare precious gemstone.

Following publications  in late 2001 in the US   alleging a link between tanzanite and terrorism, major US retailers, namely Zale Corp. and Tiffany & Co., suspended sales of tanzanite.

At a meeting of tanzanite industry stakeholders and the Tanzanian government in February this year, the US State Department vindicated the allegations, giving the industry its  assurance that there is no evidence that any terrorist organization is benefiting from the trade of tanzanite.

In May this year, Zale Corp announced that it would resume sales of tanzanite based  on “the quick mobilisation by the Tanzanian government and industry trade groups”.

“The decision by Tiffany and Zale to embrace tanzanite is a result of the industry working together to transform, regulate and revitalize the tanzanite trade, with the support of trade organisations, the Tanzanian government and the US government,” said Joanne Herbstein, a spokesperson for AFGEM, in a recent press release.

 According to the release, the tanzanite market is regaining its buoyancy, with prices improving and demand growing.

 Tanzanite is a violet-blue precious gemstone, only found in Mererani in Arusha.

Last modified: July 12, 2002.
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