Tanzanite mine fire causes $4.5m damage

Fifteen Tanzanite mines have been destroyed by fire, causing over $4.5 million USD in damage. Photo: Descouens.

At least 15 Tanzanite mines have been destroyed by fire, causing over $4.5 million USD in damage. Photo: Descouens.

An electrical fire has gutted at least 15 Tanzanite mines in Manyara region causing millions of dollars of damage.

The fires, which started in the Simanjairo district late Monday, quickly spread through the mines while TANESCO crews were performing upgrade work.

“Technicians were on their regular work in the mining area before the fire broke out,” says Manyara Regional Commissioner Joel Bendera.

Bendera says that while investigations are still ongoing, he believes an electrical fault is to blame.

“Mining experts, TANESCO engineers, police officers and miners are on the ground for thorough investigations and evaluation of the losses.”

There are over 100 mines in the area, and Manyara Miners Association chairman Sadiki Mneney says it’s likely over 2,500 workers will be jobless.

“Early evaluations show that the loss is over $4.5 million USD. This might increase tremendously after the final evaluation.”

 

Report a typo: highlight the text in question and press Ctrl+Enter to report.

About the Author

Dar Post
Dar Post is an online community for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We provide you with timely and relevant community information.