Dar Es Salaam — TANZANIA has suspended the operations of Tanzanite mining at Mererani in Arusha region in order to allow its experts carry out a thorough investigation in the area.

The government announced here yesterday that its experts were investigating in the area to establish boundaries of the blocks so as to ease the ongoing friction between the private company, African Gem Resources (AFGEM) of South Africa and small-scale miners.

The Commissioner for Minerals, Gray Mwakalukwa said yesterday that the government has suspended the operations of over 20 tanzanite mines owned by AFGEM and small-scale miners.

Investigations follows endless crisis in the area as stakeholders scramble for blocks, especially AFGEM and small-scale miners. Several people have been killed in the endless plot fracas. According to the Commissioner, the experts will survey the tanzanite mines for 10 days effectively from January 27, at block B and other mining pits with special permits at block C.

As the conflicts are intensifying between the AFGEM and small-scale miners, the trade of the gemstones that are only mined in Tanzania, has deteriorated as others link the operations to the Al Qaeda network. The dark gloom has engulfed the tanzanite market since the September terrorism attacks in USA, triggered by allegations that the profits from the tanzanite are financing terrorists.

The allegations have affected the market for the gemstones as traders in USA are now abandoning the business of selling the gemstones and its by-products. One gram of tanzanite, which used to cost Tshs300, 000, is now selling between Tshs60, 000 and Tshs100, 000.

The government of Tanzania is expecting to send the high-powered delegation to the US in to convince that the money from tanzanite sales does not find its way into coffers of Osama bi Laden. They want to restore the tanzanite market, and revive investors confidence in Tanzania, on the grounds that the allegations has tarnished the country's international image.