Tanzania to auction seized gemstones at int'l gem fair

Tanzania on Tuesday announced the auction of tanzanite gemstones seized at airports last year at the ongoing Arusha International Gem Fair.

Acting Commissioner of Minerals in the ministry of Energy and Minerals Ally Samaje disclosed the Tanzanian government's decision to sell the gemstones when speaking at the official opening of the three-day International Gem Fair, which attracted buyers and mineral dealers from across the globe.

The smuggled gemstones worth over 11.4 million U.S. dollars were seized in different dates at Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport, Mwanza International Airport, and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Samaje said: "We're going to use this exhibition to auction the seized tanzanite gemstones, as a way of telling the world that Tanzania is against mineral smuggling."

He said mineral smuggling is a serious threat to Tanzania's economy, "that's why were telling mineral dealers that they should follow proper channels before exporting the minerals."

"We want also to see minerals benefit both locals and international buyers... there must be a win-win."

According to Samaje, in the last year's gemstone fair Tanzanian government collected 137,659 dollars worth of royalties following the auction of over 3 million dollars worth of gemstones.

Arusha District Commissioner, Fadhili Nkurlu challenged all players in gemstone industry to adhere to prevailing laws and regulations, while conducting their businesses.

The 2016 AGF has attracted about 65 exhibitors from Tanzania, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Uganda.

The show features a wide variety of colored gemstones and diamonds. Fair activities will include showing of rough and cut stones, lapidary equipment, educational material, lapidary demonstrations, seminars and panels, keynote speakers and mine tours. Endit