 | In late January 2017 a new deposit of high-quality emeralds was reported in the rural villages of Kenticha and Dermi, in the Seba Boru district. News one year ago was the discovery of gem sapphire in Tigrai State. According to Maerig Hadush, Tigrai state official of mining and energy, about six thousand local traditional miners are mining in the different locations. |  |
 | The sapphire is being sold for between 2500 to 3500 Birr per gram in local markets. (about $20-$30 per carat) |  |
 | Officials want the gemstones to be sold as Ethiopian sapphire in world markets. Reports suggest the stones are being smuggled out of the country and being marketed as Madagascar sapphire. |  |
