Tanzanian Miner Who Became An Instant Millionaire By Spotting Rare Gems Has Found Another One

Back in June, a simpleton miner from Tanzania became a millionaire overnight after he found two massive Tanzanite stones.

The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about 30 cm long and 10 cm thick, were discovered by miners employed by Saniniu Laizer in a mine north of the country.

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Sanuniu Laizer earned a whopping $3.4 million (Rs 25 crores) after he sold the gemstones to the country's mining industry. With a combined weight of 15 kilograms, they were reportedly the biggest Tanzanine stones in the country.

A month after the life-changing discoveries, Laizer has found another great gemstone that is reportedly worth $2 million. The third discovery by Saniniu Laizer weighed 6.3 kg.

Also Read : Scientists Find A Completely Unknown Mineral Called 'Goldschmidtite' Buried Inside A Diamond

Mr Laizer is keen to use the proceeds from his discoveries to help local people, reports Africa News. "With the money we are getting, we will give back to our community. I personally have set up two schools for children with the money I received from mining."

Tanzanian Miner, Saniniu Laizer has become a US Dollar Millionaire overnight. He sold two massive Tanzanite stones he discovered for $3.4 million. pic.twitter.com/uJdqk4JBT2

¡ª Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) June 24, 2020

The 52-year-old, who has four wives and 30 children, previously vowed to use some of his earnings to build a school and a shopping mall in his community, adding that many locals can't afford to pay for their children's education.

Small-scale miners like Mr Laizer operate under licences acquired from the government, but illegal mining of the mineral is an issue, especially close to major mining operations.

Reuters

Mr Laizer says he will not change his lifestyle, but that he does intend to slaughter one of the cows from his herd of 2,000 to celebrate.

Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments. It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years.

According to Reuters, Tanzania has also set up trading centres around the country to allow artisanal miners to sell their gems and gold to the government. Artisanal miners are not officially employed by any mining companies and usually mine by hand.

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