Dar es Salaam. The gemstones auction officially resumed on Saturday, December 14, in Mirerani, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, after a seven-year hiatus.
This highly anticipated event is a key part of the government’s strategy to promote the country’s minerals on the international stage and increase their market value.
Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, confirmed that the auction is a significant step in curbing the smuggling of minerals and ensuring miners can sell their gemstones at globally competitive prices.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Mavunde explained that the initiative will help regulate the sale of gemstones, ensure transparency, and contribute to national revenue through taxes and royalties.
The auction, which is expected to attract both local and international buyers, will be held under strict security protocols to safeguard gemstones and ensure a fair process.
“The highest bidder meeting the set price will secure the gemstones,” Mr. Mavunde stated, highlighting the importance of security and integrity in the event.
The auction has attracted a total of 195 participants, including 120 small-scale traders, 59 large-scale traders, 7 gemstone cutters, and 9 miners.
The minerals being sold at the auction are estimated to be worth Sh3.1 billion, with the total weight of the minerals at 184.06 kilograms.
The gemstones up for sale today include Tanzanite, sapphire, spinel, and tourmaline.
This auction marks a milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen the value of its unique gemstones, following similar initiatives in other African countries like Zambia (emeralds), Zimbabwe (diamonds), and South Africa (diamonds).
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Minerals, Mr Msafiri Mbibo, said the first international gemstone exhibitions in the country, which at different times involved sales through auctions, began in 1992 and continued until 1998.
They were organized by the Tanzania Mineral Dealers Association (TAMIDA) in Arusha Region.
These exhibitions, he explained, were revived by the government through the then Ministry of Energy and Minerals in 2012 and were known as the ‘Arusha International Gem, Jewellery and Minerals Fair (AIGJMF).
In 2014, the name of the exhibition was changed to the Arusha Gem Fair (AGF).
However, in December 2017, the government suspended the operations of international gemstone exhibitions and auctions in the country with the aim of finding better ways to manage them.
