ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian government has allocated 45 billion Birr to implement ten new initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance of the mining sector and increasing foreign currency earnings, the Ministry of Mines announced.
Presenting the Ministry’s nine-month performance report to the House of Peoples’ Representatives on Wednesday, Mines Minister Eng. Habtamu Tegegn outlined key initiatives, including capacity building, improving extraction efficiency, renovating geo-science laboratories, acquiring modern equipment, and conducting studies on import substitution.
“The government is committed to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and strengthening the mining sector. One key focus is maximizing gold exports,” the Minister stated.
According to the Ministry, Ethiopia earned 1.88 billion USD from mineral exports over the past eight months.
The report also revealed that three new gold factories have begun operations this fiscal year, while efforts are underway to boost coal production and reduce reliance on imports. The Minister added that import substitution products, including cement, have helped meet local demand, although cement factories are not yet operating at full capacity.
The Ministry emphasized that small-scale mining initiatives are being linked with local communities to ensure equitable benefits. The sector has created 47,000 new jobs during the reporting period, contributing to employment and economic growth.
The government’s investment in mining modernization and digitalization is expected to further boost production and strengthen Ethiopia’s position in the global mineral market.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 4 APRIL 2025
