From Mining Weekly

The wars and famines that scourged Ethiopia three decades ago are, thankfully, a thing of the past. Today, Ethiopia is rapidly changing and has recorded constant growth over the past several years. This is having a noticeable impact. For example, infant-mortality rates have fallen by 40% since 2000, according to the Economist. Low wages are rising and the agricultural sector, still the most important component in terms of gross domestic product, is being modernized at a quickening pace.

However, there are still many challenges. For example, inflationary pressures need to be kept in check, while overhauling the country’s road and rail access remains pressing. Power is another critical concern. To help overcome these problems, Ethiopia is looking to develop a progressive resource sector, with particular attention paid to mining and minerals extraction. For this to happen, the country continues to require foreign investment and mining expertise.

Ethiopia is a big country, with a population of over 80-million. According to senior government official, the country is fast-tacking its development, aiming to become a country of middle-income earners. For this to happen it seeks development partners in the mining sector for mutual benefits and profits.”

Ethiopia’s mineral base is varied and, given that there is still plenty of mileage for modern exploration, has the potential to be vast. It has gold, tantalite, platinum, coal, phosphate, potash and many others. Currently, about 135 companies working on 245 licenses. And the mining sector already adds greatly to the nation’s wealth; for example, in 2011/12, the sector contributed $654-million to Ethiopia income.

Tax breaks have been introduced and cost recoveries made available to facilitate the entrance of mining companies into Ethiopia, she said. Government asks the private sector to stand by its obligations, while the government plays its part. With mutual understanding, the outlook is positive for Ethiopia.

Ensuring that mining codes and accompanying legislation is transparent has been particularly important, she added.

According government official, Ethiopia wants to be competitive and transparent. The latest amendments to its mining laws occurred in 2010 and were designed to be as clear as possible. A relationship with a mining company is a long-term one and the government wants people to know that the it will keep its promises. At the same time, the other party must understand that the country’s laws are binding.

Ethiopian ministry of mines Sinkinesh Ejigu also touched on addressing environmental impact of project. She said the extractive industry deals with nonrenewables and we want to get things right,” she continued. “This includes keeping a careful eye on the environmental impact. We want to take a 21st century approach; we want to engage with communities affected [by mining projects] and show them the benefits available, while we also want companies to understand their responsibilities from a socio-economic perspective.

Of Ethiopia’s metals and mineral potential, perhaps potash has garnered some of the greatest interest. The minister highlighted Allana Potash’s Dallol project, which has proven sylvinite reserves of 32.97-million tons, grading 28% KCI (potassium chloride) and probable reserves of 60.81-million tons, grading 28.8%. The project will entail brine solution mining, with evaporation ponds to produce potash-bearing crystals, which will then be processed and shipped to market.

“Our numbers are pretty robust,” Allana’s senior VP exploration, said. “For example, our capital expenditure is $642-million, which is down from our preliminary economic assessment as the Dijbouti port authority has since agreed to build the new port at Tadjoura. We’ll be focused on building our warehouse and conveyor belts etcetera, while they are responsible for the port, ship loader and other support equipment.”

This touches on one of land-locked Ethiopia’s main historic hurdles: reliable infrastructure and access to the sea. The minister acknowledged this, stressing that improving rail links and rail capacity to Dijbouti is a central concern. “The finance for this is available and has been secured for construction work,” Minister Sinkinesh said.

For Allana, another issue will be connecting the Dallol project to the main road running 70 km to the south. Allan has budgeted funds in the feasibility study to cover this, in case the Ethiopian government is unable to do it.

“We haven’t got a final sales destination yet. Geographically, we’re close to India and our reach can encompass China and the Far East’s agricultural centers as well,” he said. “We’ll be shipping at around one-million tons a year, so we’re not a mega-project compared with something in Saskatchewan. But our capex is reasonable, so it’s feasible for us to develop, build and operate this project ourselves.”

At a wider level, Ethiopia is hoping for a combination of potash sales at home and abroad. “For potash sales, we hope to see a mix of domestic consumption and foreign sales. Again, this will be a great plus for our economic growth plans,” Minister Sinkinesh said.

“The ministry and government want the mining sector to be a backbone of Ethiopian industry,” she added. “We don’t want to go back to the days of a command economy. Partnerships are the way forward and the private sector is the engine for our development. Working together, we can make history in Ethiopia.”