Tanzania should introduce special measures to protect Tanzanite from threats that could damage its reputation and weaken its position in the global gemstone market, the Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania (FEMATA) has said.
FEMATA president John Wambura Bina said the government should consider reviewing laws, regulations and procedures governing the gemstone, which he described as a unique resource because Tanzania is the only known source of natural Tanzanite.
Mr Bina made the remarks on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the ninth Mineral Technology and Investment Exhibition at the Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita.
“Tanzanite is an orphan child. It is found only in Tanzania in the whole world, so it should be protected with great care,” he said.
He said the government needed to treat Tanzanite differently from other minerals by developing specific measures to protect its value, reputation and market.
Mr Bina also warned that efforts to undermine confidence in Tanzanite could have consequences for its market, saying deliberate campaigns could be used to damage the gemstone’s reputation and reduce demand.
“We should put in place a special team to give Tanzanite priority and ensure it receives the attention it deserves,” he said.
His comments put renewed focus on how Tanzania can protect the economic value of a gemstone that is closely associated with the country and whose supply cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
Beyond mining and exports, the sector has been seeking greater value addition, stronger market access and improved returns to miners and the wider economy.
Mr Bina said protecting Tanzanite should therefore involve not only mining and trading regulations but also measures to safeguard its reputation in international markets.
He, however, praised the government for creating a platform for miners to raise challenges affecting the sector and discuss possible solutions with officials.
“The sixth-phase government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been listening to miners through our sector custodian, Minister for Minerals Anthony Peter Mavunde,” Mr Bina said.
The FEMATA president’s remarks came as the mining sector exhibition brought together miners, investors, technology providers and other players to showcase developments and discuss challenges facing the industry.
For Tanzania, the challenge extends beyond extracting Tanzanite from the ground. Ensuring that the gemstone retains its value, reaches higher-value markets and generates greater benefits locally remains an important part of efforts to increase the contribution of mining to the economy.
Tanzanite is mined in the Mererani area of Manyara Region and is one of Tanzania’s most recognised gemstones.