Back to: Geography of Ethiopia and The Horn – Freshman Courses
2.5. Rock and Mineral Resources of Ethiopia
- Identify the major rock types and mineral resources in Ethiopia.
- Explain the geological origins of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits.
- Assess the current status and economic potential of Ethiopia’s mineral sector.
- Locate the major mineral potential sites and classify them by greenstone belts.
Ethiopia’s geologic complexity—spanning over 4.5 billion years—has endowed the country with **vast and diverse rock and mineral resources**. These resources are distributed according to the age and tectonic history of the underlying geology. The **Precambrian basement rocks** host most **metallic minerals**, while **Mesozoic sedimentary and Cenozoic volcanic rocks** contain **industrial minerals, construction materials, and hydrocarbons**.
2.5.1. Brief Facts and Current State of Main Minerals in Ethiopia
Ethiopia possesses significant reserves of **precious metals, base metals, gemstones, and industrial minerals**. However, despite a long history of mining—gold extraction dates back to biblical times—the sector remains **underdeveloped**, contributing only about **1.5% to GDP** (as of 2019).
1. Gold
Gold is the most economically significant metallic mineral. Major deposits occur in:
- Primary (lode) deposits: Lega-Dembi (southern Ethiopia), Sakoro, Dermi-Dama
- Secondary (placer) deposits: Adola, Murmur Basin, Gambella (Akobo River), Borena, Benishangul-Gumuz
The Lega-Dembi mine** (operated by a private company) has proven reserves of **82 tons** and produces ~3.6 tons annually. Artisanal miners contribute ~1,000 kg/year, purchased by the National Bank of Ethiopia, boosting foreign exchange earnings.
2. Platinum
The only active platinum mine is in **Yubdo (Wellega)**. Occurrences are also reported in Delatti and the Tullu Mountain area (Sidama). Platinum is found in **lateritic soils** derived from ultramafic rocks.
3. Tantalum and Niobium
The **Kenticha Mine** in southern Ethiopia is one of the world’s largest tantalum producers. With over **17,000 metric tons** of world-class ore, it supplies ~10% of global tantalum—used in **mobile phones, laptops, and aerospace alloys**.
4. Industrial Minerals
a. Coal (Lignite)
- Found in Nedjo (Wellega), Chilga (Gondar), Beressa Valley, Sululta, Muger Valley
- Low-grade lignite suitable for local cement and power industries
b. Potash
- Enormous reserves in the **Danakil Depression (Dallol)**—among the largest in the world
- Canadian and Indian firms (Allana Potash, Sainik Potash) are preparing for large-scale extraction
c. Gypsum and Anhydrite
- Mined for cement production in Tigray, Hararghe, Gojjam
- Reserves are **enormous**: hundreds of meters thick, extending hundreds of kilometers
d. Clay and Marble
- Clay: Used in ceramics (Ambo, Adola) and brick-making (Rift Valley)
- Marble: Quarried near Mekelle, Adwa (Tigray), and Chercher Mountains (Hararghe)
e. Construction Stones
- Basalt and scoria: Widely used for road surfacing
- Limestone: Key raw material for cement plants (Dire Dawa, Muger, Meshebo, Dejen)
f. Gemstones
- High-quality **opal** discovered in **Wadla and Dalanta (North Wollo)**
- Also found: amethyst, emerald, garnet, sapphire, tourmaline in Amhara and Oromia
2.5.2. Mineral Potential Sites of Ethiopia
Mineral deposits are concentrated in three major **greenstone belts**—zones of ancient, deformed volcanic and sedimentary rocks favorable for mineralization:
1. Western and Southwestern Greenstone Belt
- Gold: Dul, Tulu-Kape, Akobo, Bekuji-Motish
- Platinum: Yubdo
- Base metals: Azali, Akendeyu, Abetselo (copper, lead, zinc)
- Iron: Bikilal, Chago, Gordana
- Marble & placer gold: Benishangul-Gumuz, Asosa
2. Southern (Adola) Greenstone Belt
- Primary gold: Lega-Dembi, Sakaro, Moyale
- Tantalum-niobium: Kenticha, Meleka
- Nickel: Adola nickel deposit
- Industrial minerals: Clay, gemstones, coal
3. Northern (Tigray) Greenstone Belt
- Primary gold: Terakemti, Adi-Zeresenay, Nirague
- Base metals: Terer, Tsehafiemba (copper, silver)
- Placer gold: Tigray river systems
These belts align with **major tectonic suture zones** from the Precambrian, where hydrothermal fluids concentrated metals during mountain-building events. Their exposure at the surface makes them prime targets for exploration.
đź“ť Review Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Q1. Which geological formation hosts the majority of Ethiopia’s metallic mineral deposits?
A) Cenozoic volcanic rocks
B) Mesozoic sedimentary rocks
C) Precambrian basement rocks
D) Quaternary lacustrine deposits
Explanation: As stated in the text, “The occurrence of metallic minerals in Ethiopia is associated with the Precambrian rocks.” These ancient, metamorphosed rocks underwent intense heat and pressure, enabling mineralization of gold, platinum, tantalum, and base metals. Cenozoic and Mesozoic rocks host industrial minerals (gypsum, coal, limestone), not metals.
Q2. The Kenticha Mine is globally significant because it produces large quantities of:
A) Gold
B) Platinum
C) Tantalum
D) Potash
Explanation: Section 2.5.1 explicitly states: “Significant deposit of tantalum and niobium is found in southern Ethiopia… Kenticha Tantalum mine… Ethiopia presently supplies close to ten percent of the World production of tantalum.” Tantalum is critical for electronics, making this mine strategically important.
Q3. Which region contains Ethiopia’s largest potash reserves?
A) Ogaden Basin
B) Danakil Depression
C) Blue Nile Basin
D) Gambella lowlands
Explanation: The text notes: “The potash reserve in the Danakil (Dallol Depression) of the Afar region is believed to be significant.” The Danakil is one of the world’s largest potash deposits, currently being developed by international firms.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT part of Ethiopia’s three major greenstone belts?
A) Western and Southwestern Belt
B) Southern (Adola) Belt
C) Eastern (Hararghe) Belt
D) Northern (Tigray) Belt
Explanation: Section 2.5.2 lists only three belts: (1) Western/Southwestern, (2) Southern (Adola), and (3) Northern (Tigray). Hararghe contains marble and gypsum, but it is not classified as a greenstone belt—greenstone belts are Precambrian, while Hararghe’s rocks are mostly Mesozoic.