I don't remember if this was taken before or after I went down, but behind me is the opening to a Tanzanite mine I went in that was over a mile deep. Judging by the smile on my face the photo was taken before because this was the toughest mining conditions I have ever encountered. Deep, Dark and Hot....Tanzanite mining is not easy. On top of that, they have not had any production from this mine for over 1 year. The Merelani Hills of Tanzania are dotted with dozens of Tanzanite mines.