Tanzanian authorities warn against smuggling of minerals

Tanzanian authorities on Wednesday warned against smuggling of minerals outside the country, saying they will not hesitate to withdraw the licenses of dealers who would go against the rules of the trade.

Fadhili Nkurlu, the Arusha District Commissioner, urged the gemstone dealers, miners and exporters to follow the country's rules in conducting their businesses.

He made the warning when he was opening a three-day Arusha Gemstone Fair which organizers said was to expected to attract more than 100 firms and individual gemstone traders and exporters from across the world.

Ally Namaje, the acting Commissioner of Minerals, said tanzanite gemstones worth 1.3 million US dollars was seized while being smuggled out of the country last year.

He added the seized gemstones were only a fraction of the gemstones which find its way outside the country through illegal routes.

Namaje said during the past one year, border officials have also impounded gold being smuggled outside the country. He did not reveal its value.

Tanzanite, which is rarer than diamonds, is mined in the east African nation's Mererani area in Simanjiro district, Manyara region, the only place in the world where it is found.

Countries where most of the gemstones from Tanzania are exported include China, the United States, Thailand, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Russia. Endit