Small-scale miner Saniniu Laizer in Tanzania has become an overnight millionaire after unearthing two of the biggest rough tanzanite gemstones ever found.
Tanzania’s government bought the book-sized stones weighing 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and 11 pounds (5 kilograms) from miner Saniniu Laizer for 3.4 million US dollars.
“I am feeling so happy because this thing has brought a lot of respect for me and for Tanzania,” Laizer said.
Tanzanite is found only in the East African country.
Mining activities accounted for 17% of the country’s GDP in 2019.
The government has imposed reforms that seek to curb smuggling and increase revenue collection in the sector.
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