-To commence trial production this year
ADDIS ABABA –Kenticha Mining Company, a privately-owned lithium mine producer, announced the delivery of the first-of-its-kind lithium producing machinery worth over 1.9 billion Birr from South Africa.
Kenticha’smajor shareholder Sheik Ali Hussein stated that the machinery has given a significant impetus for the company’s vision of becoming the first lithium mine producer from East Africa.
“The machinery processes lithium products, adds values and supplies the output to the international market. To date, we are on the pipeline to import state-of-the art machinery through phases. As Ethiopia is endowed with petroleum and related minerals, we also have the plan to expand our business in other sectors.”
Company General Manager Bruce Tiny said that the firm has been hugely engaged in importing different modes of machinery that would enable production of lithium this year a reality. “Ethiopia is endowed with a huge potential of lithium and other mineral resources though it has not sufficiently benefited from the potential due to various reasons.”
Lithium is among the minerals which help to produce batteries among others. “Our project would be significantly useful in attracting foreign investors and fostering Ethiopia’s economic development.”
Bruce added: “As part of discharging corporate social responsibility, we have been heavily engaging in providing potable water to Kenticha and surrounding villages, repairing local roads, well digging and the supply of medical equipment among others.”
It was learned that the company is established by local and international investors with a view to extracting and developing minerals in Ethiopia. Some 80 billion birr is said to be needed to produce lithium and thallium minerals at full capacity after the completion of the Kenticha mining project.
Upon operation, the firm would play a significant role in addressing forex shortages and employ over 1,000 citizens.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2023
