Tantalum Joint Investment Attracts Only One Offer

May 18 , 2019


[ssba-buttons]

African Mining & Energy Pty Ltd, a mining company representing Australian companies engaged in the development of Africa’s resource industry, became the only company to submit its offer for a lithium-tantalum joint investment in Kenticha. The bid was opened by the Public Enterprises Holding & Administration Agency. Thirty-two companies bought the bidding document, but only the Australian company made an offer. The bid was aimed at searching for business partners for joint investment engagement to mine the Kenticha lithium, tantalum and pegmatite deposits and to add value to its concentrates, according to the bid document. The tender committee that consisted of four members - two from the Agency and one each from the Ministry of Mining & Petroleum and Ethiopian Biofuel Corporation - told Fortune that the company’s offer will be evaluated according to the bid document before disclosing the result. Kenticha Tantalum Mine is located in Guji Zone, Oromia Regional State. It has 17,000tn of tantalum deposits. Established in 2000, the site occupies 5.4 square kilometres of land and had an annual production capacity of 200tn of tantalum. It was closed by the region’s Environmental Protection Authority in November 2017 for alleged environmental pollution.


Radar

Coffee Hub Illu Ababor Targets Bigger Share in Global Market

Illu Ababor Zone supplied more than 51,000 tons of coffee to the central market in the 2024/25 fiscal year, Deputy Administrator Mohammed Teha reported. The effort is part of the "Neqemte Initiative," designed to promote production, productivity, and quality in top foreign exchange earner. The zone spans over 700,000 hectares, including 300,000 hectares of newly planted and rehabilitated coffee and 400,000 hectares of wild varieties, cementing its role as a major coffee hub. Officials highlig...


Radar

From Loan to Tap, Ministry Secures Water Infrastructure Funds

The Ministry of Water & Energy has signed a cooperation framework with China Exim Bank, facilitated by contractor CGCOC, securing a 100 million dollars loan. State Minister for Drinking Water & Sanitation Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo (PhD) said the funding will finance water supply and sanitation infrastructure in five cities: Holeta in Oromia, Areka in the South, Inseno and Tora in Central Ethiopia, and Mizan Aman in the South...


Radar

Bureau Rolls Out QR-Enabled IDs for Inspectors

The Addis Abeba Revenues Bureau has equipped inspectors with QR (quick response) code-integrated ID cards to curb fraud and improve transparency. Launched in Mercato, the system lets merchants verify inspectors' identities via smartphone, deterring impersonation and extortion. Bureau head Biniyam Mikiru said the move strengthens technology-backed oversight and shields compliant taxpayers. Inspectors will also wear new uniforms to distinguish them from impostors. Merchants praised the reform, say...