Ministry of Mines (MoM) has extended its first mining survey license for Kaolin to China Communications Constructions Company Ltd (CCCC), Addis Fortune reported.

Kaolin, also called China Clay, is white, soft, plastic clay mineral which is used for paper filling and coating, ceramics paint, plastic rubber, raw material for agricultural fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. Kaolin is found in Amhara, Oromia and Southern Regional States (principally in Debretabor, Hosaena and Hadiya areas) of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Bedacha, Public Relations & Communications Deputy Director of MoM said the company will be given a license for exploration rights after surveying is completed for three to 10 years based on the amount of deposit. Afterwards, the company will be awarded with mining license for 10 to 20 years.

Limited studies on the geological location and deposit of the mine, limited knowledge on the type of the mine and its benefits and inadequate promotion are the causes for the absence of exploration of Kaolin mineral, said Ethiopia.

CCCC is a state owned company and engaged in the construction and design of roads and transportation infrastructure.

Source: Addis Fortune