ADDIS ABABA – In a bold move to turn natural resource wealth into sustainable economic development, the Oromia State has officially launched its “O-Mining” initiative—an ambitious program designed to transform the mining sector into a key engine of growth and job creation.
The initiative was unveiled during the Oromia Mining and Resources Forum held this week, where high-level regional officials outlined a reform-focused plan to attract private investment, expand mineral processing, and boost exports.
“O-Mining marks a strategic shift toward self-reliance and shared prosperity,”the Oromia State Rural Development Cluster Coordinator Adisu Arega said, during his keynote address. “By tapping into our untapped mineral potential, we aim to generate revenue, create jobs for our youth, and build a resilient, value-driven economy.”
The Oromia State Mining Development Authority Director Nemera Gebeyehu (PhD) revealed that recent geological surveys have identified substantial reserves of gold, gemstones, and industrial minerals used in sectors such as paint and glass manufacturing.
“Our vision is not just to extract resources— it is to build a vibrant industrial ecosystem around them,” Nemera said, stressing that the reform plan aligns with Ethiopia’s broader economic diversification strategy.
The initiative aims to auction pre-mapped mineral zones to investors, stimulate domestic processing to reduce reliance on imports, and triple sector revenues through exports and value-added industries. Public-private partnerships are central to this strategy, with officials emphasizing the importance of investor-friendly policies.
To support this vision, the Oromia Mining Development Authority is revamping licensing processes, simplifying regulations, and setting up a one-stop service center for investors. Legal frameworks are also being updated to provide better incentives for private sector involvement, while macroeconomic measures are being introduced to address infrastructure and skills gaps.
“This is a turning point,” Nemera said. “Our mineral wealth is a national asset. The time to act decisively—collaboratively—is now.”
The O-Mining initiative underscores the growing role of sub-national regions in Ethiopia’s push to harness natural resources for inclusive development. Stakeholders were urged to seize the opportunity to shape a sustainable and competitive mining sector that benefits both local communities and the national economy.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 11 MAY 2025
