ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has discovered over 517 tons of gold deposit in BenishangulGumuz, Gambella, Oromia and Tigray states, Ministry of Mines announced.
Mines State Minster Million Mathewos told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the country has discovered over 517 tons of gold deposit in Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia and Tigray states while attributing the finding to the geological survey that has been conducted for the last 15 years.
He indicated that the deposit resource would be extracted in the coming years whereas thegeological survey activities would continue extensively.
The Ministry in cooperation with stakeholders, is supporting different gold processing companies to develop gold massively, Million said.
He mentioned that the organization has been licensing new companies based on their experience, human and financial capacity among others.
Likewise, the country is constructing its first huge gold processing plant in Benishangul Gumuz state, he expressed adding that extra gold processing plants would be built in Wellega, Guji, Gambella, and Tigray in the coming two years.
As to the State Minister, due attention would be given to overcome infrastructure challenges for planned projects.
He believed that gold development has brought special opportunities as the production has been hugely revamping through time with the help of modern machines.
Hence, illicit gold trade or contraband has been still challenging the sector not tobe an important economic catalyst, Million said, adding that the federal security bodies in collaboration with state stake holders have been taking necessary measures to overcome the problem.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 24 MARCH 2024
