The Oromia Regional State Mineral Development Authority has announced that it generated over USD 604.77 million from mineral exports in the past months of the current fiscal year.
According to Dawit Lemesa, Communications Director of the Authority, the region is rich in resources, with 76 different types of minerals identified. He said the government was prioritizing the sector as part of its broader economic development goals.
Dawit highlighted that the objectives of the mining sector included boosting export earnings, increasing both the quantity and quality of production, supporting domestic industries, and ensuring community benefits through job creation.
To regulate the sector and curb illegal activities, the authority has introduced and implemented a mining development standard.
As a result of ongoing reforms, minerals worth over Birr 1.64 billion have been supplied to the local market in recent months. Additionally, 84,867 employment opportunities have been created, and the region has saved USD 1.96 million by replacing previously imported minerals with locally sourced alternatives.
Source: Fana BC
