10:53
Arusha.
Tanzanite gemstones valued at more than 2.5 billion/- were auctioned during the
recently held Arusha Gem Fair 2016. The blue stones were part of highly valued minerals
impounded from smugglers in recent days.
The
government, through the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, opted to auction gems,
diamonds, gold and other valuable minerals that were impounded from smugglers.
They were auctioned during this year's installment of the annual mineral fair.
Deputy
Commissioner for Minerals Engineer Ally Samaje said the value of Tanzanite
gemstones that were put up for auction in Arusha was worth more than 2.5
billion/- and sold under the hammer at the 5th installment of the annual
Arusha Gems Fair 2016 held at the Mount Meru Hotel grounds.
“Each
bidder was supposed to pledge the amount in secrecy, thus the value of each
buyer remained under wraps to ensure that the government gets the highest value
possible without the buyers colluding to keep prices low as it has been the
case in other auctions involving valuable items,” said Engineer Samaje.
The
5th Arusha Gemstones Fair 2016 under the theme of 'Minerals of East
Central and Southern Africa in one fair,' attracted participants from all over
the world with much of their interest being pegged on Tanzanite that is
only found and mined in Northern Tanzania.
During
the preceding Arusha Gem Fair of April 2015 Minerals and Gemstones worth 7.4
billion/- were sold, earning interest of more than 300 million/-. After the
three days of this year's event at least 10 billion/- worth of transactions
were expected, according the organizers.
“But
the most important thing with this year’s fair is to have local miners and
mineral dealers meet and exchange experience with counterparts from African
countries and those hailing from as far as India, Australia, Israel, Thailand
and Sir Lanka,” said the Deputy Commissioner of Minerals.
The
Arusha-Urban District Commissioner, Mr Fadhili Nkulu was the guest honor during
the opening ceremony of the Arusha Gem Fair 2016. He said locally mined
minerals must be polished and processed in the country before export so as to
add value and create employment.
Nearly
1000 exhibitors and participants were in Arusha to attend the gemstones Fair
2016 and among them 500 from Tanzania.
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