There have been plenty of irregularities surrounding tanzanite mining, trading and dealership including theft, tax evasion and smuggling, and so far there are 27 companies in Arusha Region which have been placed under the microscope over the issue,” stated Mr Makalla.
It was also observed that the tanzanite mining fields of Mirerani Hills, in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, is full of aliens who are conducting mining and mineral dealing activities against regulations that do not permit foreigners to undertake such tasks without appropriate licensing.
The committee had met between the December 10 and 17 to address, among other things, the issue of rackets and racketeers surrounding tanzanite and mineral dealers in Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro regions when the serious case of tax evasion among traders of the coloured gemstones came to light.
Mr Makalla said other than the 27 companies, there are 5,000 miners and traders dealing with tanzanite and other coloured gems in Arusha, who are also suspected of stealing from the government through massive tax evasion to the tune of billions of shillings.
“All gemstone firms have displayed regular huge returns from their books but there are no clear indications or records on their respective tax returns,” stated the RC in a telephone interview.
As a result, regional authorities here have issued an ultimatum for dealers to settle their taxes and keep records straight before January 5 when the state machinery is to be activated against tax payment defaulters.
The same deadline will also apply to all foreigners who have infiltrated into Mirerani Hills, especially Asians, Kenyans and Congolese, to vacate the mining fields and leave the area and the country before the government takes further action against them.
“We were surprised to realise that Indian nationals were supervising mining activities in Tanzania. This is unacceptable,” he added.
Culled from Daily News
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