Tanzanites: The Maasaï Sustainable Dilemma for the Rarest Gemstones

Abstract

Tanzanite, a unique gemstone that can only be found in Tanzania under difficult and rough conditions, is actually increasing in fame due to its scarcity and its deep vivid blue color. However, for every newly founded gemstone, concerns are arising toward the sustainability of its supply chain process. Discovered in 1967 by a Maasaï tribesman, the tanzanite gemstone faced several challenging times and thus making unstable its presence on the jewelry market in the last 20 years. But actually, what do we know about tanzanite except that it’s coming from Tanzania? This study aims to examine the global climate of a tanzanite mining environment, understand areas that lack development and see how Tanzania is strategically repositioning tanzanite into the economy of the country in a sustainable way. The objective is to demonstrate that Tanzania is a resourceful country in terms of culture and history. This African nation should be known as a country that is able to manage efficiently and respectfully the process of mining and trading tanzanite to enforce its local development. Starting from the global context of tanzanite mining, its history, and background, this study keeps on analyzing the structure of stone distribution. It furthermore showcases the different improvements that have been made to increase the safety of miners as much as the transparency of the tanzanite market and provide work opportunities for Tanzanian inhabitants. Finally, by providing a global understanding of the current situation of the tanzanite business, this research presents foresight to improve the future of tanzanite trade and establish efficient strategies to secure the market. The results of this research highlight the strong importance of culture and local communities in the tanzanite mining industry which created disputes between small-scale and large-scale mining industries. From the beginning of tanzanite mining, multinationals and foreign countries were leading the Tanzanian market of gemstones. Tanzania’s future horizon is now building on partnership and fair deals to clarify the tanzanite trade, thus reducing violence. The challenge was to redirect the wealth from abroad into Tanzania broader. To this fact, the Tanzanian government puts in place taxation programs for unpolished stones to enhance the local development of cutting skills. In partnership with associations, NGOs, and the main mining companies, they provide educational support for locals to develop the required skills and to allow people accessing properly into the tanzanite business. The results show that the tanzanite mining environment changed significantly since its discovery. Future perspectives for tanzanite are arising due to its growing interest in jewelry from other countries. The development of new technologies such as blockchain might help to secure miners and make tanzanite pathways more transparent. The respect of traditions and cultural heritages of Tanzania is very important to improve the stability of the market and benefit every stakeholder. Following these assumptions, the Tanzanian economy has a bright future ahead if the government will still invest into the management and control of the tanzanite business. Taking Botswana as a reference for their economic growth boosted by the diamonds industry, Tanzania could apply the same approach with the unique and fascinating tanzanite.