Communities living around the Tanzanite mining area in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, have continued to benefit from social development projects implemented by Franone Mining & Gem LTD as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The company has invested in education, healthcare and infrastructure projects aimed at improving public services and supporting livelihoods in areas surrounding its mining operations.
Franone Mining & Gem LTD Manager, Sweetbert Arbogast, said the company remains committed to working with local communities to address key social needs and contribute to sustainable development.
He made the remarks during a visit by a delegation from the Miss World Organisation to the Tanzanite mining area at Block C in Mirerani.
The delegation was led by Miss World Organisation Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Julia Morley from London, United Kingdom, together with Miss World Africa 2025, Hasset Dereje from Ethiopia.
Mr Arbogast said Franone has implemented several projects in Simanjiro District, including the construction of a dispensary at the Tanzanite mines and rehabilitation of an eight-kilometre road connecting communities to the mining area.
“In education, we have supported Mirerani B.W. Mkapa Secondary School with 100 desks, assisted in the construction of classroom infrastructure at Naisinyai Secondary School, and contributed to improving facilities at Mirerani Health Centre,” he said.
He added that the company also extended support to communities affected by floods in 2024 by providing food assistance to residents of Moipo Division, Msitu wa Tembo Ward and pupils at Oloshonyokie Primary School.
The initiatives reflect the growing role of mining companies in supporting social services and improving living conditions in communities hosting mining activities.
Mirerani Resident Mines Officer (RMO) George Kaseza said the Tanzanite mining area has several blocks, including A, B, C and D, where licensed miners conduct operations.
He said the area remains a strategic location for Tanzanite production, with continued efforts to ensure responsible mining and increased benefits for local communities.
The Secretary of the Manyara Regional Miners Association (MAREMA), Mirerani Branch, Rachel Njau, said the visit by the Miss World delegation would help increase global awareness of Tanzanite and create more opportunities for the gemstone industry.
“This is an important opportunity to showcase Tanzanite to the world and promote the work being done by miners and other players in the sector,” she said.
Women Magonga Traders Chairperson, Magreth Sogweda, said the visit had motivated local entrepreneurs, noting that international recognition could help strengthen their businesses.
Manyara Regional Minerals Business Association (Magebomita) Chairperson, Mokia Ole Mrefu, described the visit as a boost for Tanzanite promotion, saying global exposure would help more people understand the value of Tanzania’s unique gemstone.
Tanzanite, which is found only in Tanzania, remains one of the country’s key gemstones, contributing to mineral exports, employment creation and economic opportunities for communities involved in the sector.
