The decline in Tanzanite production at Mirerani has emerged as a concern for mining operators, with Franone Mining & Gem Ltd calling for improved access to water for small-scale miners to address dust-related health risks.
The appeal was made during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals to Block C, which is jointly owned by Franone Mining & Gem Ltd and the government.
The committee, led by its chairperson, Subira Mgalu, was briefed by the company's managing director, Onesmo Mbise, on production trends, employment and operational costs.
Mr Mbise said the company employed about 500 workers and had raised its minimum monthly salary from TZS350,000 to TZS600,000.
He said the company spends approximately TZS1 billion every month on operations, but Tanzanite production had declined compared with previous levels.
"Previously, we had satisfactory Tanzanite production, but output has now declined. We are working hard to improve production," he said.
Mr Mbise also urged the government to facilitate access to water for small-scale miners, saying the shortage contributes to dust in mining areas and exposes workers to potential health risks.
"We appeal to the government to ensure that small-scale miners have access to water to control dust in the mines and prevent diseases. On our part, we continue operating with a reliable water supply from boreholes," he said.
The visit also provided an opportunity for committee members to learn about the geological characteristics of Tanzanite and the specialised techniques required to extract the gemstone without damaging it.
The company's geologist, Faustine Ruta, told the committee that Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 by a man identified as Ally Juu ya Watu. The gemstone is found in the Lelatema Mountains, making the area central to Tanzania's position in the global Tanzanite industry.
Committee member and Nzega Rural MP Neto Kapalata said Tanzanite mining differed significantly from gold extraction because of the gemstone's geological formation and the need to preserve its physical characteristics.
"Tanzanite mining is different from gold mining because extraction follows horizontal formations towards the deposits. It is a unique gemstone whose value is determined by colour, weight, quality and shape," he said.
Mr Kapalata warned that blasting operations required particular care because excessive or poorly controlled explosives could destroy the gemstones, resulting in losses for miners.
Unlike gold, which undergoes processing after extraction, Tanzanite must be carefully recovered to preserve its natural characteristics and market value.
Ms Mgalu commended Franone Mining for its mining operations and praised the government's decision to allocate 10 per cent of mineral revenues to a special fund for mineral research.
She said the Ministry of Minerals had allocated TZS17 billion as an initial contribution towards research, an initiative expected to strengthen geological knowledge and support the development of the mining industry.
The visit comes as the mining sector continues to face the challenge of balancing increased production with responsible extraction, improved working conditions and the long-term conservation of valuable mineral resources.