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These are a series of images shot in the Tanzanite Mining town of Merarani. Tanzanite is named after the East African state of Tanzania, the only place in the world where it has been found is in the mining town in Mererani hills of Simanjiro, in Northern Tanzania Tanzanite is soon becoming Africa?s new bloodstained gem. Poor working conditions, wide spread exploitation of miners, lack of clean enivironmnet, no worker identifications cards, no labour contracts, poor mining gear, chronic poverty makes this yet another old African story.

In 2001 small scale mining was suspended following the accident that claimed 39 lives. The then Deputy Mnister of Energy and Minerals, Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha promised implementation of a stricter regime to govern the working conditions of the miners. Six years after this promise, conditions have worsened for the miners. The miners still don?t have an organized Labour union to fight for or protect their collective rights.

While trying to enter the Opec mining complex in Merarani, I as diligently stopped by the guards who said I needed to pay 50 dollar to enter the premises. After much bargaining I was stopped from entering the mining enclosure. However on the way back I meet a few of the miners and spoke to them in length about their mining conditions. Some more miners joined, the informal interview became an intense heart felt conversation that lasted over an hour.

These images were shot over the course of the conversation

Now this is what photography should be about,I congratulate you for taking the time to talk to these people and take the photos.The world needs to see more images such as this.

this is all about Photography as I understand it! superb is the word for this and your work!

Strong photography with a message if humanity.

For me the best of your last three postings