ADDIS ABABA– Ministry of Mines and Petroleum (MoMP) says it is taking actions to raise the benefits from traditional mining as well as help traditional miners earn better income.
According to the Ministry more than 1.2 million people are engaged in traditional mining throughout the country. Research and Development Directorate with the Ministry Girma Woldetinsae (PhD) told The Ethiopian Herald that these people do not reap adequate benefit due to various reasons.
According to the Director, existence of illegal brokers, lack of adequate skilled labor, technology and the like are serious challenges that decrease benefit of traditional miners. Therefore, it needs to prepare different approaches depending on the nature of the commodities.
Currently, the Ministry has prepared packages to ensure benefit of traditional miners. Training has been given in Shire and Aksum towns of Tigray state under pilot level that to know the exact proper utilization of technology therewith protecting the environment from any pollution.
As to him, through traditional mining precious minerals can be exported only in ten transactions every year. But the use of modern technology can double the transaction. In this regard, Ethiopia has more than 4,000 rocks and mines from which 40 percent of a smart phones part is made.
“Natural mines are also significant in pharmaceutical industries, cosmetics and the like. So, it needs research and establishing institution so as to benefiting from the sector.’’ In this regard, the Ministry is undertaking Cadaster system which helps to control big petroleum companies and enable to form strong relation with partners across the nation. However, it needs to share experience from experienced countries on how to utilize the resources in an effective and efficient way.
The Ethiopian Herald, November 30/2019
BY MESERET BEHAILU
