Tanzania’s government bought the book-sized stones weighing 20 pounds (9 kg) and 11 pounds (5 kg) from miner Saniniu Laizer for $3.4 million.
“We’re signing agreements today in public to facilitate the cash transfer … and the government recognizes Laizer is a new billionaire,” he said, speaking in terms of the local currency.
Tanzania is a rich country, President John Magufuli said when congratulating him.
Tanzanite is found only in the East African country.
Mining activities accounted for 17% of the East African country’s GDP in 2019.
