Ministry grants 12 mineral exploration, production licences

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2020 (FBC) –The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has granted licences to 12 companies with a combined capital of more than 402 million birr.

Of the total licences, 10 are exploration while the remaining two are licences granted for the production of minerals, said the Ministry in a statement.

According to the statement, the 10 companies were licensed to engage in the exploration of gold, iron ore, manganese, chromite, silver and gemstone.

The remaining two licences were issued for the production of basalt and limestone, the statement added.

The investments by the 12 companies are expected to create 480 jobs.