{"id":1129,"date":"2020-01-01T12:38:51","date_gmt":"2020-01-01T12:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/momp-web\/?page_id=1129"},"modified":"2020-07-30T20:17:06","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T20:17:06","slug":"natural-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/investing-in-ethiopia\/natural-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”5\/12″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”28″ title=”Investing in Ethiopia Pages”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”7\/12″][vc_empty_space][cms_text_block]Ethiopia\u2019s geology shows extraordinary potential for exploration and development.\u00a0 This page provides information, maps and data on just some of the opportunities for investing in the following commodities:<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22Metallic%20minerals%20(gold%2C%20platinum%2C%20iron%2C%20nickel%2C%20chromite%20and%20base%20metals)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Fertilizer%20raw%20minerals%20(potash%20and%20phosphate)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Gemstones%20(sapphires%2C%20emeralds%2C%20fiery%20opals)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Energy%20minerals%20(lithium%2C%20graphite%20and%20tantalum%2C%20oil%20shale%20and%20coal)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Cement%20raw%20minerals%20(limestone%2C%20gypsum%2C%20clay%2C%20pumice)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Ceramics%20raw%20minerals%20(kaolin%2C%20feldspar)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Glass%20raw%20minerals%20(silica%20sand)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Dimension%20stones%20(marble%2C%20granite%2C%20limestone%2C%20sandstone%2C%20diatomite%2C%20bentonite%2C%20soda%20ash%2C%20salt%2C%20graphite%20and%20sulphur)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Natural%20gases%20and%20hydro-carbons%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_single_image image=”1849″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Gold” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Ethiopia\u2019s gold deposits are clustered in a Proterozoic basement, which covers about <\/span>18% of the country. A considerable part of this area has already been surveyed by <\/span>aerial geophysical surveys and geochemical mapping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Good news for investors is that significant gold mineralization has been found\u00a0<\/span>in three regions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Western greenstone belts<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The presence of gold mineralization in these areas has been known since the early 1930s, and several of the belts host gold. The most promising gold occurrences are located in the Tulu-Kapi and Ankore areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Northern greenstone belts<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The most promising discovery in this greenstone belt is the Terakimiti prospect where trenching and drilling has revealed grades of up to 16 grams a tonne. The deposit contains an estimated total of 20 million tonnes of ore with a grade of 0.29 grammes per tonne and there is also 6 million tonnes of ore that contain 2.24% copper.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Southern greenstone belts<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

There are already two gold mines in the Southern greenstone belt. The Lega Dembi <\/span>mine in the Oromia Region has two active sites already in production \u2013 one open pit <\/span>and an underground gold mine. The Sakaro mine is an underground mine in the Gujji <\/span>zone in Oromia Region which is still under development.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are additional opportunities for investors in epithermal gold. The East African Rift Valley transecting Ethiopia hosts a large number of geothermal fields which are used for power generation, and a low-grade epithermal gold deposit was discovered <\/span>at Tendaho in the Afar region. Geothermal drilling revealed highly silicified zones <\/span>returning gold grades of 1 gram per tonne. Currently, investors are intensively exploring <\/span>to better define the pockets of epithermal gold around the northern part of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Gold Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FGold-Ethiopia-Mining-FactSheet-A3.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1850″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Potash” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Of all of Ethiopia\u2019s mineral potential, potash has garnered some of the greatest interest.<\/span>95% of the world\u2019s potash is mined for use in fertilizers, while the rest is used for feed supplements and industrial production.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As can be seen in the map below, potash deposits can be found scattered around Ethiopia\u2019s northern, central and southern regions. However one area is particularly exciting: the Danakil Depression in the far north of the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Danakil Depression is calling out for exploration. Danakil lies at the junction of three tectonic plates, and was formed as a result of the African and Asian continents moving apart. This caused rifting and volcanic activity, resulting in its complex and alluring geology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The salt formations on the surface cover an area of about 450 square miles, but only a small part of this area has been explored. One can see on Mount Dallol colourful layers of salt about 20 or 30 centimetres thick, with thin clay and gypsum layers in between, lying exposed to the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only is the Danakil Depression the hottest place on Earth in terms of year-round average <\/span>temperatures, but it is also one of the lowest\u2013 sitting 100 metres below current sea level.\u00a0<\/span>Past exploration undertaken by various companies has confirmed the presence of two ore bodies at Dallol:<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_accordion cms_accordion=”%5B%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Crescent%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22Lying%20just%20one%20kilometre%20south-west%20of%20Mount%20Dallol%2C%20the%20irregularly%20shaped%20ore%20body%20is%20about%201000m%20long%20and%20100m%20wide.%20This%20surface%20deposit%20surrounds%20the%20bubbling%20spring%20of%20magnesium%20chloride%20referred%20to%20as%20%E2%80%98Black%20Mountain%E2%80%99.%22%7D%2C%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Musleyore%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22Named%20for%20the%20Musley%20Canon%20nearby%2C%20this%20ore%20body%20lies%20about%204.5%20km%20west%20of%20Mount%20Dallol.%20It%20is%20about%204%20km%20long%20and%201.5%20km.%20wide%20and%20was%20extensively%20explored%20during%20the%201960s.%20Drilling%20has%20indicated%20the%20presence%20of%20a%20potash-bearing%20horizon%20at%20500%20meters%20depth%2C%20similar%20to%20that%20explored%20by%20underground%20work%20and%20shallower%20drilling.%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_text_block]Significant reserves of natural resources for the production of Sulphur of Potash (SOP) having been identified during companies\u2019 feasibility studies in recent years.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Potash Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FPotash-Ethiopia-Mining-FactSheet.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1852″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Phosphate” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]There is a very high demand for phosphate in Ethiopia, due to its importance as a fertilizer. Phosphates are amongst the most important nutrients agricultural products need: moreover, it is a nutrient that is naturally scarce in Ethiopia\u2019s high lying areas. This is a concern as agricultural still plays an indispensable role in Ethiopia\u2019s economy, contributing roughly 34% to Ethiopia\u2019s GDP.<\/span><\/p>\n

Importing fertilizers, furthermore, is prohibitively expensive. As a result,\u00a0 there has been extensive exploration for phosphate in recent times. These efforts have uncovered to At least two major mafic complexes, Bikilal in the west and Melka Arba in southern Ethiopia. However more work is required before we can tell whether extracting these resources would be economically feasible.\u00a0<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Phosphate Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Sapphires” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]<\/p>\n

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The gemstone world was rocked in November 2016 with the news that high quality deposits\u00a0of new and unique sapphire had been found in Tigray.\u00a0Early samples taken near the villages of Awaet, Adi-Shumbro and Chila confirm the sapphires are of an impressive quality, good size and with a wide variety \u2013 easily comparable to the sapphires of Madagascar. These deposits fall within the western greenstone belts that run from the northeast to the south-west of Tigray, which is primarily an agricultural and cattle farming region. These sapphires are dominated by a blue-yellow-green series but they also include exciting varieties such as red, purple, white, orange, yellow and even a deep pink. All indications are that Ethiopia\u2019s newly discovered deposits are ripe for commercial exploitation. Limited geological and geochemical work in the belt to define the mode of occurrence means that the field is wide open for investors to bring these extraordinary gemstones to a global market.<\/p>\n

Ethiopians have been mining sapphires artisanally for many years in Tigray, the northern-most of the nine regions of Ethiopia, particularly around a local town called Chila. There are three well-known types of sapphire in Ethiopia. Blue Star sapphire and Fancy sapphire are common, but it is the \u2018colour-changing\u2019 sapphire from the areas surrounding Chila which is of highest quality and commercially sought. These colour changing gemstones feature a blue, star and green series and can be classified as either \u2018High-Fe\u2019 sapphire or \u2018Low-Fe\u2019 sapphire, and are formed by magmatic and metamorphic processes. Ethiopia also produces the rare and coveted pink sapphires known as \u2018padparadscha\u2019 (from the Sinhalese word meaning aquatic lotus blossom), which has seen renewed interest since England\u2019s Princess\u00a0 Eugenie revealed her salmon padparadscha engagement ring in early 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Sapphires Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Emeralds” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]International gem forums were buzzing in 2017 with the news of the high quality and size of Ethiopia\u2019s very recently identified emerald deposits. Discovered in August of 2016 by artisanal miners looking for tantalum, these new finds are comparable to those mined in Colombia in terms of hue and quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The emerald deposits are located in the Sebo Boru district in the beautiful coffee-producing <\/span>Oromia Region in southern Ethiopia, where the rural villages of Kenticha and Dermi host <\/span>particularly high-quality deposits. Commercial emeralds are suddenly a real and urgent opportunity for investors \u2013 Ethiopia is calling. Ethiopia is currently exploring ways to establish a traceability and identification protocol for emeralds, in order to certify their origin and maximise their value.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most emeralds are then exported to Switzerland, Australia and the United States. In 2017, Ethiopia exported 2,290kg of emeralds, surpassing the export of opal and sapphire which are the current major gemstone types exported.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Emeralds Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Opals” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Ethiopia is well on course to become the first challenger to Australian opals. In 2008, <\/span>the discovery of spectacular Wollo opals in northern Ethiopia changed the game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This high quality, structurally stable and strikingly beautiful opal was exhibited at the Tucson <\/span>Gem and Mineral Show in 2010, and Ethiopian opals have been unstoppable ever since.<\/span><\/p>\n

Between 2000 and 2014 alone, Ethiopia\u2019s exports of opals increased by 136.6%. More <\/span>discoveries followed \u2013 there are now four types of opals being mined in Ethiopia, with the majority only discovered in the last decade.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][cms_heading text=”Four types of Opals” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_accordion cms_accordion=”%5B%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Showa%20and%20Mezezo%20opals%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22Showa%20and%20Mezezo%20opals%20were%20discovered%20in%201980s%20on%20the%20highland%20plateau%20located%20in%20the%20central%20Shewa%20province%20of%20Ethiopia%2C%202%2C500%20to%203%2C299%20meters%20above%20sea%20level%20and%20covering%20a%20large%20area%20of%20100%20to%20200%20square%20kilometres.%20This%20is%20a%20variable%20opal%2C%20including%20stones%20with%20chocolate%2C%20honey%20and%20fire%20colours%20and%20qualities.%22%7D%2C%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Wollo%20opal%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22As%20mentioned%2C%20the%202008%20discovery%20of%20the%20Wollo%20opal%20took%20the%20gemstone%20world%20by%20storm.%20The%20play%20of%20colours%20in%20the%20Wollo%20gemstone%20often%20goes%20through%20the%20whole%20piece%20of%20the%20rough%20stone%2C%20producing%20a%20striking%20form%20with%20remarkable%20patterns.%20The%20opal%20mines%20extend%20from%20the%20Wollo%20and%20Gonder%20zones%20over%20400%20square%20kilometres%20in%20Amhara%20Regional%20State.%20This%20opal%20is%20mined%202%2C500%20meters%20above%20sea%20level%20in%20this%20mountainous%20terrain.%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Black%20opal%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22Ethiopia%E2%80%99s%20most%20recently%20identified%20deposit%2C%20Black%20opal%20was%20discovered%20in%202013%20at%20the%20Stayish%20mine%20just%20100%20kilometres%20from%20the%20famous%20and%20historic%20town%20of%20Lalibela%20in%20northern%20Ethiopia.%20This%20is%20where%20the%20stone%20derives%20its%20alternative%20name%20-%20Lalibela%20opal.%20Mined%20in%20a%20distinct%20opal-bearing%20layer%20in%20a%20mountainous%20area%20of%20around%203%2C000%20meters%20in%20altitude%2C%20the%20general%20body%20tone%20of%20the%20rock%20is%20dark%20in%20colour%2C%20hence%20the%20name%20%E2%80%98black%E2%80%99%20opal.%20But%20the%20opal%20itself%20has%20a%20vivid%20play-of-colour.%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22ac_title%22%3A%22Afar%20opal%22%2C%22ac_content%22%3A%22The%20Afar%20opal%20is%20commonly%20fiery%2C%20with%20minor%20opalescence%20and%20a%20distinctive%20character.%20It%20was%20discovered%20as%20recently%20as%202010%20in%20the%20Afar%20Regional%20State%2C%20in%20northern%20Ethiopia.%20Artisanal%20and%20small%20scale%20mining%20of%20Afar%20opals%20currently%20takes%20place%20in%20Ethiopia%2C%20but%20large%20scale%20mining%20has%20not%20yet%20been%20realized.%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Opal Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1857″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Tantalum” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Ethiopia is already the sixth biggest producer of tantalum in the world with the potential to dramatically increase their standing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Adola in southern Ethiopia is the most exciting region for tantalum. It is known to host a long and linear belt of this rare metal occurrence of tantalum and niobium in its Kenticha Belt, which extends for over 100 kilometres and covers an area of more than 250 kilometres.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three types of ore have been identified in the deposit:<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22Primary%20ore%3A%20rare%20tantalite%20bearing%20granite-pegmatite%20with%20complex%20Ta-Nb-Li-Be%20mineralization%20has%20meant%20this%20is%20a%20world%20class%20ore%20reserve%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Lateritic-type%20ore%3A%20a%20%E2%80%98rind%E2%80%99%20developed%20over%20the%20pegmatite%20and%20granite%20as%20a%20result%20of%20intense%20weathering%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Elluvial%2C%20delluvial%20and%20alluvial%20placer%20ore%3A%20marked%20with%20high%20quality%20Ta-Nb%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_text_block]Together, the weathered ore over the primary ore of pegmatite in the Kenticha belt have been recognized as one of the best deposits of this type anywhere in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is currently an opportunity to develop the Kenticha Mine — which, given the quality of the resource, is one of the best opportunities on the market. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Kenticha mine appears to be located on one of the world\u2019s largest tantalum resources. It is estimated to have\u00a0a probable reserve of 17,000 tonnes and to have the potential to produce \u00a0as much as 9,000 tons of processed tantalum products over the next 15 years<\/span><\/p>\n

Located approximately 550km south of Addis Ababa at Adola, the 25 year old mine is the property of the state-owned Ethiopian Minerals, Petroleum and Bio Fuel Corporation (EMPBFC), which is looking for partners to help develop the asset.\u00a0<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Tantalum Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1858″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Graphite” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]In southern Ethiopia, right on the Kenyan border, and on the southern edge of the Southern Greenstone Belt, sits the Moyale deposit with an estimated reserve of 460,000 tons of well-crystalised and flaky graphite. <\/span><\/p>\n

Most likely of sedimentary origin, the graphite in the Moyale area is hosted by quartz feldspar-mica schist and quartzite which form continuous bodies extending for hundreds of meters. Studies have shown Moyale\u2019s graphite content to be moderate, but generally fine-grained.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gold and base metal bearing belts in the Adola region in eastern Ethiopia, and others in the west and the north of the country are also all known to contain graphite. Several <\/span>long belts of graphitic schist extend for many kilometers through the Adola region, specifically in the Bekeka, Kenticha, Kibre, Mengist-Chembi and Chembi areas.\u00a0<\/span>The MoMP, together with a university-industry linkage, is currently undertaking a study to better qualify parts of these graphite resources.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Graphite Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Lithium” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Are you looking to explore for lithium? Ethiopia is full of potential. Both the salt brines in the marine strata of southern Ethiopia and the saline springs associated with volcanic activity in the Ethiopian rift of Afar are likely to contain lithium, in addition to the trace elements and edible salt currently produced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Private sector investors could bring the requisite technology and expertise to Ethiopia, which are urgently needed to better analyse the country\u2019s lithium potential.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Energy Minerals Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Petroleum” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]This website has a dedicated section mapping Ethiopia\u2019s available petroleum blocks, including detailed information on the surrounding geology and information on the oil fields. We invite you to click the button below to learn more about petroleum.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Opportunities in Petroleum” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Findex.php%2Fpetroleum%2Fpetroleum-opportunities%2F|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1864″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Oil Shale” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Oil shale has also been discovered scattered around Ethiopia\u2019s south western regions. What has been found so far exhibits tremendous potential both in terms of quality and quantity. The reserve is estimated at ~1 billion tonnes. In addition, the shale has a fantastic total organic carbon (TOC) of up to 55- 60%, and has been in the following thick shale formations:<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22Urandab%20Shale%20%E2%80%93%20~%20400%20m%20thick%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Bokh%20Shale%20%E2%80%93%20up%20to%20800%20m%20thick%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Shale%20formation%20%E2%80%93%20within%20Carbonate%20rocks%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_text_block]Miocene-Oligocene<\/span> deposits \u2013which are important source rocks \u2013 can be found in the west\/ southwest of Ethiopia. Recent mapping results found outcrops also in the northeast\/central part of Ethiopia. <\/span>[\/cms_text_block][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1865″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Coal deposits” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Studies related to exploration and estimation of coal resources in Ethiopia are at an early stage and are still ongoing. However the Geological Survey of Ethiopia has made some notable progress in its coal-related investigations, and has delineated several coal deposits, most notably in the Geba Basin, the Deleb-Moye Basin and Mush Valley Basin. The coal reserve is around 600 Million tonnes by present estimates with 70% of this coming from the Geba Basin.\u00a0 These areas are illustrated on the map below.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Deleb-Moye Basin is another area that is worth a look for investors interested in coal. The coal found here is of good quality and can be used for thermal combustion, there is considerable land area available, and there is potential for open-pit coal mining, making coal seam development here particularly commercially viable.<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Coal Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1867″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Bentonite” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Bentonitic clay can be found primarily in the northern parts of Ethiopia, in the Afar region, as shown on the accompanying map. Afar\u2019s total reserve is estimated to be over 135 million tonnes with an average swelling capacity of 6.1.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most interesting Bentonite sites are a series of sites clustered around Hadar, as indicated on the map. They are Ledi, Gewane, Hadar, and Warseiso Hadar. Significant occurrences have also been found on Lake Abaya\u2019s Gidicho Island in the Rift Valley in the centre of the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tests conducted so far confirm multiple possible applications for Ethiopia\u2019s Bentonite. The Bentonite from some beds could be used for the preparation of drilling mud and iron ore palletization, and could potentially have a foundry application as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Samples from Warseiso and Ledi (near Hadar – see map), confirmed that the bentonite there could also be used in waste water treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Bentonite Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1873″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Diatomite” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Diatomite is a powdery mineral composed of the fossilised remains of microscopic single-celled aquatic plants called diatoms. It has a range of possible applications, including dimension stone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ethiopia\u2019s overall diatomite reserves are estimated to be 1.57 million tonnes. Of that reserve, and crucially for investors, 310 000 tonnes are of high quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exploration work has identified more than 12 diatomite deposits and occurrences in the Ethiopian Rift Valley area. The best diatomite deposits are found in the central part of the Rift, in Ethiopia\u2019s Lakes Region, near the centre of the country as indicated on the above map.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ore found in all four in this area (specifically in Chefe Jilla, Adami Tulu and Gada Motta) show promisingly high grades, with: <\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22SiO%20ranging%20from%2084.5%20to%2086.5%25%2C%20%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Al.O.%20from%203.1%20to%203.7%25%2C%20%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Fe.O.%20from%201.5%20to%202.4%25%2C%20and%20%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22CaO%20from%200.1%20to%201.9%25.%20%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Diatomite Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1874″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Gypsum” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Gypsum is a versatile mineral with many applications. It plays an important role in controlling the rate at which cement hardens, as one example.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As this map shows, Gypsum can be found primarily in three areas in Ethiopia: in the Abay Basin, the Mekele Outlier and the Ogaden Basin \u2013 with the first two looking particularly promising. There are exciting opportunities for exploration at these two sites, both of which have extensive deposits, and where some pre-existing exploration has already taken place, meaning that knowledge can be further built upon.\u00a0<\/span>[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22The%20Mekele%20Outlier%20covers%20an%20area%20of%2017%2C400%20square%20kilometres%20area%20and%20is%20primarily%20made%20up%20of%20gypsum%2C%20shale%2C%20marl%20and%20claystone.%20This%20sequence%2C%20which%20is%2060%20to%20250%20meters%20thick%2C%20contains%20thin%20beds%20of%20gypsum%20and%20dolomite%20and%20a%20few%20beds%20of%20yellow%20coquina.%20Made%20up%20of%20gypsum%20beds%20and%20lenses%20laminated%20shale%2C%20marl%2C%20and%20limestone.%20The%20gypsum%20bed%20reaches%20is%20two%20meters%20thick%20in%20places%2C%20confined%20within%20a%20thick%20shale%20unit%20of%20various%20colours.%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Al.O.%20from%203.1%20to%203.7%25%2C%20%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_button button_text=”Download Gypsum Factsheet” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mom.gov.et%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F02%2FEthiopia_resources_commodities_2019.pdf|||”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1493,1450,1449,1451,1500,1506,1508,1507,1452,1489,1426″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”5\/12″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”28″ title=”Investing in Ethiopia Pages”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”7\/12″][vc_empty_space][cms_text_block]Ethiopia\u2019s geology shows extraordinary potential for exploration and development.\u00a0 This page provides information, maps and data on just some of the opportunities for investing in the following commodities:[\/cms_text_block][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][cms_list lists=”%5B%7B%22content%22%3A%22Metallic%20minerals%20(gold%2C%20platinum%2C%20iron%2C%20nickel%2C%20chromite%20and%20base%20metals)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Fertilizer%20raw%20minerals%20(potash%20and%20phosphate)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Gemstones%20(sapphires%2C%20emeralds%2C%20fiery%20opals)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Energy%20minerals%20(lithium%2C%20graphite%20and%20tantalum%2C%20oil%20shale%20and%20coal)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Cement%20raw%20minerals%20(limestone%2C%20gypsum%2C%20clay%2C%20pumice)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Ceramics%20raw%20minerals%20(kaolin%2C%20feldspar)%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Glass%20raw%20minerals%20(silica%20sand)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Dimension%20stones%20(marble%2C%20granite%2C%20limestone%2C%20sandstone%2C%20diatomite%2C%20bentonite%2C%20soda%20ash%2C%20salt%2C%20graphite%20and%20sulphur)%5Cn%22%7D%2C%7B%22content%22%3A%22Natural%20gases%20and%20hydro-carbons%5Cn%22%7D%5D”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_single_image image=”1849″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][cms_heading text=”Gold” tag=”h4″ align_lg=”align-left” align_md=”align-left-md” align_sm=”align-left-sm” align_xs=”align-left-xs” margin_top=”24″ margin_bottom=”24″][cms_text_block]Ethiopia\u2019s gold deposits are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1198,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1129","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1129"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2384,"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1129\/revisions\/2384"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nomadsinn.com\/momp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}