Illicit mining activities, particularly those conducted by unlicensed foreign operators, have severely impacted Ethiopia’s gold production, federal officials told members of Parliament (MPs). The report revealed the country’s gold production is a mere 35pc of the target, underlining the severity of the situation. The prevalence of “illicit actors” was blamed as one of the main impediments to lacklustre productivity.

Gold, comprising more than 80pc of the country’s mineral exports, brought in 150 million dollars over the third quarter of the current fiscal year. Ethiopia produced 2.68tns of gold, with a third of this output coming from artisanal miners. However, gold exports for last year amounted to more than 560 million dollars, indicating a significant shortfall in expected revenue 10 months into the current year.

A report from the Federal Police Commission revealed that 83 foreign nationals had been apprehended within six months for illegal mining activities in the Gambela and Benishangul regional states. The foreign actors were allegedly moving millions of dollars in illegal funds. Habtamu Tegene, minister of Mines, highlighted an overlap of licensing between federal and regional authorities, which he believes provides illegal miners a window to establish operations beyond the Ministry’s control.

The Minister’s report to Parliament underscored the gold mining sector awaiting the unfolding of a transformation with cautious optimism, recognizing the potential for a more robust and sustainable industry but also mindful of the challenges ahead. The industry serves as a reminder of resource management’s complexities and potential pitfalls, particularly in regions rich with natural resources but grappling with regulatory and oversight issues.

Industry operators applaud the Minister’s resolve to tackle the issues head-on and restore the gold mining sector to its full potential. With a comprehensive strategy to address illegal mining, unregulated trade, and the structural issues within the Ministry, he looked set to safeguard the country’s natural resources. However, the effectiveness of these reforms will largely depend on their implementation, the cooperation of regional and federal authorities, and the industry’s willingness to adhere to stricter regulations and international mining standards, cautioned Parliamentarians.

According to the Minister, the foreign miners exploit loopholes such as renting machinery equipment to access mineral-rich areas. The stark difference in dollar values between formal and parallel foreign exchange rates has reportedly encouraged local miners to opt for contraband alternatives.

The Minister attested before Parliament last week, stressing the need for an institutional overhaul within the Ministry and reform in the sector. He emphasized that a change in personnel is insufficient to transform the industry.

Habtamu was appointed to his current portfolio in November of last year, the fourth minister to hold such a position during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration.

Industry operators laud the Minister’s determination to address the issues, demonstrated three months into his appointment.

Tesfaye Mehdane, the general manager of Akobo Minerals, a boutique mining company operating in the Segele Shama Gold District of Gambella Regional State, has witnessed many of these issues firsthand. His company has a concession to a flagship project in the area for a decade. He noted a tightening in the gold mining sector since the new Minister’s appointment, particularly after the Minister visited their project site.