Institute Identifies 81 Million Tonnes of Coal in Wolaita Zone

Feb 21 , 2026

Ethiopian Geological Institute has announced the discovery of 81 million tonnes of coal reserves in Kindo Didaye Woreda, Wolaita Zone, in southern Ethiopia. Despite the vast mineral potential, much of its resource base remains underdeveloped, forcing the country to rely on imports that strain foreign currency reserves. In an effort to curb these costs, the Institute intensified mineral exploration and research, leading to the identification of coal deposits spanning 81 square kilometres in the Omo Basin. According to the Institute’s mineral resources exploration executive, the coal is classified as sub-bituminous with high volatile content and low sulphur value. Officials say the deposit could serve as an alternative industrial input, particularly for cement production, industrial boilers, and brick manufacturing.