Kenticha Borena-Ethiopian Mineral Development SC announced new tantalum ore discoveries at the Kenticha tantalum mine to be found in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia.

The newly discovered tantalum reserve is estimated to of high quality and approximately 2500 tons according to experts with the EMDSC.  

The company has so far been engaged in surface mining and the discovery of primary ore is expected to enhance its production significantly explained the experts.

The company has identified three types machinery required with the completion of the design work for the expansion program.  

A loan request for 164 million birr in funds for the expansion project is under review with the Development Bank of Ethiopia according to Solomon. EMDSC can begin purchasing machinery once the loan arrangement falls in to place he said.

EMDSC has been limited to extracting and exporting tantalum concentrate in the past but now expects to build a manufacturing plant that can produce tantalum wire, powder, negate and niobium pentoxide to earn more from the export of value added products said Solomon.

The company is seeking international experts to provide consultative services in establishing the manufacturing plant he noted.  

EMDSC is one of the public companies up for privatization by the Ethiopian government with several companies including ones form China, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Russia expressing their interest to the Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervisory Agency.

Source: The Reporter