• Commercial production by 2026
ADDIS ABABA-Kurmuk Gold Mine PLC has announced plans to commence plant commissioning by the end of 2025, with commercial production set to start in 2026.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, General Manager BroxWorku confirmed that the company is progressing well in developing its gold mining plant, which will be ready for commissioning next year.
Preparations are already underway to purchase and import the necessary mining machinery and equipment. So far, the company has imported around 700 transportation trucks, with another 3,000 expected to arrive within the next three to eight months. According to Brox, the construction process is on schedule, ensuring that operations will begin as planned.
The project has the capacity to produce nearly nine tons of gold annually during its initial years of production, supported by an investment of half a billion USD. It is projected to generate one billion USD in annual revenue and pave the way for other companies to enter the mining sector. Covering 100 square kilometers of land, the project is expected to attract significant interest from potential investors.
Despite challenges, the company is pushing forward and resolving obstacles. “This project demonstrates the possibility of achieving ambitious goals, and other companies are observing our progress closely,” said Brox. He also emphasized the need for the quick installation and supply of electricity to support future operations.
The government has been providing support, recognizing the mining sector’s importance for economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Brox, an Allied Gold shareholder, emphasized the long-term nature of mining projects and their transformative potential for the region.
Located in Benishangul-Gumuz State, Kurmuk Gold Mine is Ethiopia’s largest mining project and a major initiative in Eastern Africa. Currently, the project has created around 600 jobs and is set to employ over 1,700 people by the end of the fiscal year, showcasing its significant impact on job creation and economic development.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024
