Two local mining firms with over 1.5 billion birr capital and an annual production capacity of 700,000 tons of coal have launched coal mining projects in Ethiopia's Southwest region.

Takele Uma, Ethiopia's Minister of Mines and Petroleum, and Negash Wegisho, the region's president have marked the launching of the projects by laying the foundation stone. The project site is located in the Dawro zone of the region.

The two firms, ET Mines Development S.C. and East Africa Holding, secured their coal mining licenses to operate in Ethiopia's newest Southwest region about two months ago.

In January this year, six other coal mining companies with a combined capital of over six billion birr have obtained licenses.

Source (Including Image): Takele Uma, Minister of Mines and Petroleum (Twitter)