TanzaniteOne Mining Limited, giant firm mining gemstones at Mererani in Manyara Region, has been ordered to increase the minimum wage for its employees from Sh180, 000 to Sh350, 000 per month as directed by the government recently.

The chairman of the Tanzania Mines and Construction Workers Union (TAMICO) Mr Raphael Ombande said the management of TanzaniteOne had assured him that they would heed the call to increase salaries of thousands of its employees.

According to Mr Ombande, the issue has been pending since 2008. He called on the mining companies to adhere to labour laws in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts in places of work.

TanzaniteOne has one of the largest labour force in the northern regions, as it employs between 500 and 600 workers.