In 2009, Ethiopia played a significant role in the world’s production of tantalum; the country’s share of global tantalum mine production amounted to 6% (Papp, 2010). Other domestically significant mining and mineral processing operations included cement, crushed stone, dimension stone, and gold. Ethiopia was not a globally significant consumer of minerals.
Minerals in the National Economy
In fiscal year 2007-08 (the latest year for which data were available), the manufacturing sector accounted for 4% of the gross domestic product, and mining and quarrying, 0.4%.
Between 300,000 and 500,000 Ethiopians were estimated to be employed in artisanal mining activities (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2009).
Production
In fiscal year 2008-09, kaolin production increased by 177%; tantalum, by an estimated 84%; niobium (columbium), by an estimated 81%; feldspar, by an estimated 80%; quartz, by an estimated 76%; gold, by 41%; silver, by an estimated 36%; silica sand, by an estimated 28%; and cement, by an estimated 25%. Lignite mining started in fiscal year 2008-09. The output of most gemstones was estimated to have decreased by between 14% and 20% (Zenebe, 2009; Passive Component Industry Magazine, 2010).
Structure of the Mineral Industry
Mugher Cement Enterprise and Messebo Building Materials Production S.C. were state owned; other cement plants were privately owned. Gold, marble, platinum, and silica sand mining companies were privately owned. The state-owned Ethiopian Mineral Development S.C. produced dolomite, feldspar, kaolin, niobium, quartz, and tantalum. Artisanal miners produced clay, crushed stone, diatomite, gemstones, gold, gypsum, salt, sand, and silica sand.
Source: United States Geological Survey’s Mineral Yearbook
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