There is a deposit of over 20,000 Tons of Tantalum in Oromia State, Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE) disclosed.

According to Tamiru Mersha, EGS Communication Director, the deposit will enhance the nation’s dream to have an industry-led economy. Extracting the mineral in a short period will help Ethiopia to realize this dream because it is the same mineral that will be used in medical equipment, mobile accessories and other industrial purposes

Tamiru added the mineral is abundantly found around Kenticha in Guji Zone of the State.

According to Bacha Faji, Communication Director of Ministry of Mines, currently seven companies have taken license for exploring tantalum. Among the companies Ethiopian Mineral Development S.C. (EMD) is one of them.

EMD is the only company that is developing the resource, Bacha noted. He furthered he hopes others that are engaged in exploration will soon start development.

EMD managed to collect over U.S $ 3 Million from exporting 80 Tons of tantalum to China during the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency