ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT APPLIED GEOLOGY

SEMINAR 1

GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCE OF ETHIOPIA

BY EBISA WAKJIRA

ID No ugr/17923/11

advisors Dr. predeep.

Adama , Ethiopia
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First of all, I am indebted to the GOD ALMIGHTY for giving me an

opportunity to excel in my efforts to complete this seminar on time. also, my
family supports me until now as well as I say thanks to the head department,
Dr. Mohamed and my advisor, Dr. pradeep.
 i

table content page

acknowledgment …………………………………………………………....i

table conent………………………………………….…………….……….. ii

list of figure……………………………………………………………….... iii

Chapter one .

1.1 ,Introduction…………………………………………………..……..……….1

1.2, Background ………………………………..…...……3

1.3,objective…………………………………………….….3 1.3.1
General objective……………………………………….…. 4

1.3.1 Specific objective…………………………………….……. 4

Chapter Two
2 ,Geology and Mineral Potential……………………………………....5
2.1, MINERAL POTENTIAL…………………………………………………..5
2.2 ,Major and minor mineral resource………..…………..……...19
2.2.1 ,major mineral resource………………………………………….19

2.2.2 minor mineral resource …………………………………………….19

2.3 mineral use for export………………………………………………….19
 Chapter 3
3.1 Type of mineral resource
3.2 ,Industrial mineral…………………………….. …….…..…21
3.3.Energy mineral……………………………………………......21
3.3.1 .Geothermal potential……………………………………..22
3.3.2 .coal ……………………………………………………………….24
3.2.3,Petroleum Potential……………………….…………..25

3.3 metallic minerals…………………………………………..26

3.4 non metallic minerals……………………………………...26

3.5 dimension stone minerals……………………………..26

3.6 gemstone……………………………………..………...27
chapter four
4.1 Geology……………………………………………………...28
4.2 ,Geological Processes and the Resulting
Landforms of Ethiopia ………………………………………... ..… 28
4.2.1.The Precambrian Era Geologic Processes (4.5 billion –
600 million years ago)………………………………………………………...29
4.3 The Paleozoic Era Geologic Processes (600
million – 225 million years ago)………………………………………… 30
4.4 .The Mesozoic Era Geologic Processes (225-70
million years ago)………………………………………………………………. 30
4.5.The Cenozoic Era Geologic Processes (70million years
ago – Present)……………………………………………………………………. 31
4.5.1.Uplifting of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass and
outpouring of lava flood……………………………………………………..32
4.5.2.The Formation of the Rift Valley…………………………………. 32
4.6.Quaternary Volcanic Eruptions and Depositions……………. 35

CHAPTER 5
5.1 .conclusion……………………………………………………………….36
5.2.Referance…………………………………………………………………...38
 ii

list of figure

Figure 2.1 . mineral potential………………………………….…....…. 5

Figure 2.2 . oil and gas in somale , ethiopia…………….……...…. 18
Figure 3.1 industrail mineral of ethiopia……………………....….....22
Figure 3.2 Geothermal energy………………………………………...…..23
Figure 3.3 coal deposit in ethiopia………………………………….….. 24
Figure 3.4 petroleum potential in ethiopia………………………....…25
Figure 4,1 geology of ethiopia…………………………………………..….28
 iii

CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION

Ethiopia located in the Horn of Africa between latitudes of 3o N - 15oN and longitudes of
33oE 48oE covers a land area of about 1.14 million km2 with a population of over 73
million. Kenya,Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea are the neighbouring countries.
Ethiopia has adopted federal administrative system comprising of 11 regional states
and two City Administrative Councils.
A major portion of Ethiopia’s economy relies on the country’s agricultural sector which
accounts for 85% of total employment and 41% of GDP. In 2010, the government
introduced a five-year Growth and Transformation Plan that aims to uplift the country’s
economic growth rate. Besides this plan, the insurance, banking and micro-credit industries
were restricted to only domestic investors even though Ethiopia attracted foreign
investments in commercial agriculture, leather, manufacturing and textiles sectors.Based on
these new measures the country managed to maintain a high GDP growth rate, but its per
capita income is considered to be one of the lowest in the world. The country’s GDP as of
2011 was $96.09 billion.
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Geology has also played its part in the history of Ethiopia, providing her with a formidably
mountainous interior, bounded by great escarpments and
faced by inhospitable desert, which have assisted her fiercely independent and resourceful
inhabitants to discourage invaders and enable her to be the only country in Africa that was
not colonised by a European power.. Mining in Ethiopia is currently predominantly
controlled by low skilled, small scale miners utilizing low technological machineries and
inputs. Oil and gas in Ethiopia has a history which is a little over a century old. In 1860, an
oil seep was discovered, but it wasn't till the 1920's that inexhaustible seeps of oil were
verified. The Ogaden basin in the Somali Regional State covers 135,000 square miles
(350,000 square kilometers) and is believed to hold massive reserves of natural gas and
crude oil. Several companies from across the world have received concessions for
exploration and extraction in Ethiopia but due to tensions with rebel groups and
neighboring countries, most have abandoned their projects.
,

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1.2 ,BACKGROUND OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCE OF
ETHIOPIA

geology of Ethiopia ranges from oldest (Precambrian) to recent volcanic and sedimentary
formation. The oldest (Precambrian) rocks host most of the economic metallic mineral
deposits that include primary and secondary enriched (placer) gold, platinum, platinum
group elements (PGE), nickel,tantalum, base metals (like copper, lead and Zinc), industrial
minerals (like phosphate, iron ore), gemstones (like ruby, emerald, sapphire, garnet, etc)
and also decorative and dimension stones such as marble, granite and other coloured
stones.The sedimentary (Mesozoic) rocks also host, other than the natural fuel minerals
(oil, gas, oil shale,coal, etc.), some other metallic ores like malachite, manganese,
gypsiferous minerals as well asenormous construction and cement raw materials resources.
The volcanics and sedimentary rocks of the recent age (Cenozoic) host most world class
industrial minerals such as potash, rock salt, bentonite, soda ash, diatomite, opalized
stones and numerous types of construction and cement raw material.

1.3 ,Objectives

The following are the main Geology and mineral resource of Ethiopia objective of
engineering site

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1.3.1 General objectives.

➢ To provide information about geological feature and mineral potential of country.

➢ To provide information about geological era .

➢

➢ To provide information about general mineral resource and geology of country with
deposit place and what like of geological feature of that mineral deposit..

1.3.2 ,Specific objective

● To separate major and minor mineral resource of country.

● To provide information about mineral export.

● To provide information geology range of precambrian(oldest) to recent volcanic

and sedimentary formation.

● To placed mineral according to geological formation and their

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● CHAPTER TWO
2.1 ,Geology and Mineral Potential

2.1.1, MINERAL POTENTIAL

fig 2.1 mineral potential map of Ethiopia

page 5
According to research done by Swedish Geological AB, Ethiopia can be a major
international supplier of minerals, specifically copper, gold, tantalum, potash, iron ore, and
coal. Ethiopia is indeed the land of plenty, with resources found in abundance throughout
its huge and diverse land mass. Geological surveys conducted on minerals in Ethiopia,
have shown formations that are believed to contain a vast amount of mineral resources,
with proven deposits of industrial minerals, coal, precious metals and metals. Until
recently, disputes with neighboring countries and armed groups opposing the government
have made it impossible to fully utilize all of the yet untapped natural resources.
Fortunately, with the vast changes taking place due to the reforms enacted by Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed, peace has returned to Ethiopia albeit some internal ethnic based
violence which is being resolved. Gold is king when it comes to exportable mineral
commodities in Ethiopia, bringing in about $300 to $500 million each year. Massive gold
deposits believed to have once been mined by the ancient Egyptians and the legendary
Queen Sheba were recently discovered in Assosa, located in the western part of Ethiopia.
The Assosa gold deposit is just one of the many yet untapped sources of gold that could
easily put Ethiopia in the top 5 gold producing countries in the world. Concerning
gemstones, opal leads the pack with over 98% by exports value and almost all are exported
in their rough form, due to the lack of a developed industry.

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Aside from opal, the following are some of the proven gemstone deposits: aquamarine,
tourmaline, amethyst, emerald, garnet, peridot, and sapphire Ethiopia has a very favorable
investment climate when dealing with minerals, while royalty rates are mostly the same as
other countries in Africa, equity and tax rates are incredibly low with a mere 5% equity
requirement. Mining in Ethiopia is currently predominantly controlled by low skilled, small
scale miners utilizing low technological machinery and inputs. Oil and gas in Ethiopia has
a history which is a little over a century old. In 1860, an oil seep was discovered, but it
wasn't till the 1920's that inexhaustible seeps of oil were verified. The Ogaden basin in the
Somali Regional State covers 135,000 square miles (350,000 square kilometers) and is
believed to hold massive reserves of natural gas and crude oil. Several companies from
across the world have received concessionsforexploration and extraction in Ethiopia but
due to tensions with rebel groups and neighboring countries, most have abandoned their
projects. In 2018, Poly GCL was fortunate enough to have struck oil at their oil field of
Hilala at the Hamanlei formation, where they had drilled three exploration wells. All of the
three wells have shown gas reserves with 2 of them having oil .The country has a few
known reserves of precious metals and other natural resources such as gold, potash, natural
gas, copper, and platinum. In addition to all these resources, there is also an extensive
potential for the generation of hydro power.

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However, the most abundant natural resource is arguably natural gas. Explorations in the
past have shown that Ethiopia has some of the largest deposits of natural gas compared to
most countries in Africa. Despite all this potential, natural gas has not been properly
exploited yet. The potential is so high that the geology of some parts of the country, like
that of the Ogaden basin, resembles the natural gas-rich geological structures of oil and gas
fields in the Middle East. In addition to the above resources, Ethiopia also engages in a bit
of agriculture. As things stand, about 20% is being exploited for agricultural use even
though the potential is higher. Forests have greatly reduced with only about 10 to 15% of
the land covered by forests. Livestock keeping is also popular with huge swathes of land
used for pasture.
 1 ,GOLD

Today the largest active gold mines in Ethiopia are Lega Dembi and Sakaro which are
located in the Southern People's and Nations Regional State and controlled by the Saudi-
Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Al Amoudi, through his company Midroc.The gold
mined at these locations is believed to be in the range of five tons a year. Gold located
within modern day's Ethiopia has been mined for centuries and it is believed that the
Assosa gold mine could be the oldest mine in the world, dating back over 6,000 years.

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2,Platinum

Platinum has yet to be fully researched and mined, but the little research done so far shows
promising possibilities in Ethiopia. Discovered in the western part of Ethiopia, in a place
called Yubdo, platinum was ignored by the locals who opted for gold prospecting
instead.Here is the location of an estimated 150 kilometer belt that contains a variety of

ultramafic stratiform deposits which is where platinum can be found. Platinum

deposits have also been found in Sirba Abay which is in the northern most part of western
Ethiopia.For a time, Yubdo Gold and Platinum, an English company, conducting small
scale project was the only platinum mining operation in Ethiopia. Located in Oromia
Regional State, they annually produced about 2.5 to 2.8 kilograms of platinum in the
western part of the country
 3 , Copper

Significant copper reserves were identified in the southern part of Ethiopia, in the Sidamo
region. Further discoveries were located in the Tigray region, which is in the northern part
of the country.Tigray Resources is the company that encountered additional copper
polymetallic minerals close to the site of its successful drilling at the Terakimti prospect.
Another company, Altus Strategies Plc. holds 322 square kilometers in the Tigray-Afar and
Negash copper-silver exploration areas in northern Ethiopia through its 100% owned
subsidiary Altau Resources Ltd.

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4. Emerald

Emerald mining in Ethiopia is on the verge of growing, but still needs more investment
from both government and private entities.Generally found in an area close to the gold
town of Shakiso in the southern part of Ethiopia, the beauty of the emeralds is
exceptional.Mining conducted there is low tech and skills, but shows promise as the quality
of the emeralds is gaining in its reputation worldwide.Most of the mined emeralds are of
the lighter green hue and found below 5 carats, but there are bright green 10 carat
Ethiopians on the market.According to current standards, discovery and production, it is
highly unlikely that Ethiopian emeralds will ever de-throne Colombian dominance in the
market, but low prices and high quality will ensure that it will be a stone to contend
with.The emeralds are natural and do not require the addition of oil to improve its clarity,
more prospecting and better technology could bring forth more discoveries around Ethipia.

5 . Tantalum
The Ethiopian Mineral Resources Development Enterprise worked on the Kenticha
open pit which has a niobium and tantalum mine near Borena. In fiscal year 2001-02,
exports of niobium and tantalum concentrates amounted to 61,219 kg at a value of $4.1
million, which was a decrease from 86,982 kg at a value of $6.9 million in fiscal year
1999-2000 (Addis Tribune).

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6. Limestone

Ancient Jurassic marine sediments cover much of the early sediments including a planation
surface of the Triassic age.The sediments were deposited as a result of marine transgression
in the region which swept over the eastern Africa during the first break-up of Gondwana.
The result was to have rocks suchas sandstone, limestone, shale, marls and evaporites,
covering large areas of Ethiopia.

7. Sandstone

Similar to limestone...Ancient Jurassic marine sediments cover much of the early sediments
including a planation surface of the Triassic age. The sediments were deposited as a result
of marine transgression in the region which swept over the eastern Africa during the first
break-up of Gondwana. The result was to have rocks such as sandstone, limestone, shale,
marls and evaporites, covering large areas of Ethiopia.

8. Gypsum

In 2014, the Geological Survey of Ethiopia identified twenty new mineral deposits. 18 of
which the deposits held gypsum, limestone, marble and potash and 19 of which the
deposits were found in region of Oromia. The twentieth contained a coal deposit which was
located in the town of Wolkite, in the northern part of Ethiopia. Modest amounts of
gypsum were produced for domestic consumption in the Mugher Valley, at Filikik, and at
Dewelle near Dire Dawa. Most of Ethiopia's gypsum was used in cement and stucco
production (Ethiopia Ministry of Mines).

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9. Clay

The Ethiopian Ministry of Mines recently handed over its first mining survey license for
Kaolin to China Communications Constructions Company Ltd. (CCCC).Kaolin, also called
China Clay, is a soft white and plastic clay mineral which is utilized for ceramics paint,
paper filling and coating, plastic rubber, raw material for agricultural fertilizers and
pharmaceuticals. Kaolin is found in regions of Amhara, Oromia and Southern Regional
States (specifically in Debretabor, Hosaena and Hadiya areas) of Ethiopia.Inadequate
research on the geological location and deposit of the mineral, inadequate knowledge on
the type of the mineral and its benefits and the lack of promotion are the causes for having
a very weak clay mineral industry in Ethiopia.

10.Oil Shale

The EMRDE operated a small mine at Bamba Wuha. The pilot plant had a processing
capacity of 15,000 tons/year of kaolin. At the time, Ethiopia had no paper
factories.Consumers of kaolin that produced at Bamba Wuha included the Melkasa
Aluminum Sulfate and Sulfuric Acid Factory, Nazret Aluminum Sulfate Industries, and
the Tabor Ceramics Factory.Kaolin was also found at Kombelcha (Ethiopia Ministry of
Mines).
 Page 12

11. Lignite

Over the last 20 years, Ethiopia production of lignite coal remained stable at around 0
thousand short tons. Lignite is the lowest rank of coal, often referred to as brown coal,
used almost exclusively as fuel for steam-electric power generation

12.DIATOMITE

Ethiopia has substantial diatomite resources through the country, but deposits of
commercial value are mainly found in the Rift Valley and the Afar depression. The Rift
Valley includes the Adami-Tulu, Gade-Mota, Chefe Jilla and Abiyata deposits together
amount to more than 40 million tons.

13. Bentonite

Deposits are found in Afar in the north and in southern Ethiopia as well [1]. Bentonitic
clay resources are found in the Afar National Region- al State and Southern Peoples,
Nations and Nationalities Regional State. The Afar region Bentonite occurrences are easily
accessible, as they are located near the main roa

14. Laterite Iron Ore

The Zuquala Steel Rolling Mill Enterprise produced steel cable and wire from imported
steel. The cost of steel accounted for 74% of the factory's total operational costs. Ethiopia's
demand for steel products was expected to rise to 148,000 t in 2005 from 105,000 t in 2000
(U.S.A Department of Sta
page 13

15. Halite

In northwestern Ethiopia, artisanal miners produced rock salt in the Assal, Badda, and
Gabro areas of the Denkali depression. Total resources of rock salt in the Denkali
depression were estimated to be more than 3 billion metric tons.In the area of Assal,
production was about 30,000 tons/teryear. Salt was also produced from brine lakes in the
areas of Assal, Afdera, and Badda in the Denkali depression and from ponds at Emi
andKrime in southern Ethiopia. Large-scale salt production was expected to commence at
Afdera in the near future. Salt resources at Afdera were estimated to be 290 Metric tons.

16.potash

in the Danakil region contain an estimated 588.2 million tons of inferred potash
mineral resources according to revised estimates reported in June 2012.The deposit holds 4
potash bearing minerals including sylvite, carnallite, polyhalite and kainite. 3 layers that
comprise different constitution of potash minerals dominate the deposit.The sylvinite layer
ranges up to 11 meters in thickness and comprises large amounts of sylvite along with trace
amounts of carnallite, anhydrite, clay and dolomite.The kalnitite member that averages 9 m
in thickness is dominated by kainite with lesser amounts of kieserite, carnallite and
insolPotash deposits primarilyuble materail.

page 14

17. Oil and Gas

Oil and gas in Ethiopia has a history which is a little over a century old. In 1860, an oil
seep was discovered, but it wasn't till the 1920's that inexhaustible seeps of oil were
verified.It was generally referred to as oil in the Red Sea coast but was later attributed to
specific areas in the Ogaden basin. The Ogaden basin has since been divided into twenty
one separate blocks making it easier to award concessions to companies.Blocks attributed
to oil are located throughout Ethiopia, in the northeast, southeast and southwest of the
country.So far, companies from all over the world have shown interest and received
concessions in different parts of Ethiopia, including the Ogaden basin.In 2018, Poly GCL
was fortunate enough to have struck oil at their oil field of Hilala at the Hamanlei
formation, where they had drilled three exploration wells.All of the three wells have shown
gas reserves with 2 of them having oil flows.The test production phase of Hilala will see
Poly GCL producing 450 barrels of oil, daily.In an area with a proven six to eight trillion
cubic meters of crude oil, the Chinese company plans to construct a gas pipeline to
Djibouti, where they will build a gas treatment plant, which will convert the gas into
liquefied natural gas.The converted gas will then be loaded on special ships specifically
built to transport this gas, which will be exported directly to China.

Page 15
Fig 2.3 oil and Gas in figure oil and gas sumale , Ethiopia

18 ,Opal.

Opal in Ethiopia was discovered in 1994 and has since grown to have an impact on the
world market. It rival Australian opal is seen to be more expensive, despite, the Ethiopia's
high quality. Precious, fire, and black opals are now being mined in Ethiopia, under the
name "Welo/Wollo/Wello or Ethiopian Opals". The best and most abundant opals are
found in Ethiopia's Wollo region, in the north of the country, they have a wonderful variety
of colours and body variety but opals have also been identified in the Shewa region, now
known as "Mezezo or Shewa Opals". Page
16

Opals from Ethiopia vary widely but the most abundant are the stable and transparent ones
that offer a beautiful play of colors within them.With no large mining companies or jewelry
brand, opal production in Ethiopia is still in infancy, but with more investment in this
mineral, Ethiopia is sure to become a major player in the world opal market, offsetting
Australia's hundred year domination.

19.chromite

Ethiopias Chromite is one of the Top quality Minerals that has 40%+ content, exceeding
the mininum concentration requirement set in international buying standard.
The chromium extracted from chromite is used in chrome plating and alloying for
production of corrosion resistant superalloys, nichrome, and stainless steel. Chromium is
used as a pigment for glass, glazes, and paint, and as an oxidizing agent for tanning.
 page 17

20. Nickel

Ethiopia Exports of nickel was US$18.34 Thousand during 2020, according to the United
Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Ethiopia Exports of nickel - data,
historical chart and statistics - was last updated on January of 2022.

21. Manganese

Largely found in the Wollega region of Ethiopia. There are three characteristics that define
the manganese deposits in Ethiopia. 1. Residual concentration type is closely connected
with secondary iron accumulations. 2. Hydrothermal type is connected with telethermal
iron. 3. Sedimentary type is of marine origin. (Milan Hamrla) The Enkafela deposit in
Ethiopia should be given more attention as it will be a valuable to world markets.

22. Perlite

Perlite is a water bearing natural glass that contain silica, alumina, iron, calcium,
magnesium, sodium and potassium oxides.

23.sulfur

Although Ethiopia has a relatively rich sulfur reserves, also had a sulfuric acid production
plant, but the local market demand is not high. Sulfur is mainly concentrated in the
ZARIGA, DALLOL, CHEBERETALE and DOFAN in four places, reserves of about 7
million 500 thousand tons.

page 18

24.feldspar

Ethiopia feldspar rich, mainly K-feldspar, distribution in the DAWA area.

Eight, iron ore Iron ore is mainly concentrated in the BIKILAL area, reserves of about 57
million tons, iron ore body phosphorus ratio was 3% - 6% (fresh ore, P2O5).

2.2.Major and minor mineral

2.2.1.major mineral

Ethiopia have more minerals but many are untapped .mineral resource found in ethiopia
with high concentrations mineral resource in Ethiopia in above note we can divided into
two which is major and minor mineral. Major mineral; GOLD, clay, gypsum, limestone,
Halite , potash, sandstone , opal ,emerald and copper.

2.2.2 Minor mineral resource.

mineral their availability is less found in our country : oil and Gas,perlite
tantalem, bentonite,teraitLe Iron Ore , oil shale

2 .2 .3 EXPORT MINERAL

Ethiopia has earned more than 680 million U.S. dollars from the mineral export in the
2020/21 Ethiopian Fiscal Year that ended on July 7, 2021, according to Ministry of Mines
and Petroleum.The amount has shown a 259 million increase as compared to the revenue
registered in the previous 2019/20 fiscal year, during which Ethiopia earned 207 million
US dollars. The country last recorded as nearly as the 681mln USD amount during the
heyday of the sector a decade ago. “The country has earned a total of 681 million US
dollars from mineral export.

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The revenue is the highest the ministry recorded in the recent years,” said Takele Uma,
Minister of Mines. Mineral export is one of Ethiopia’s major

foreign currency earners. The country exports gold, silver, tantalum, gemstones and
marble. The current fiscal year, which began on Thursday, the Ministry of Mines and
Petroleum plans to generate a total of 1.5 billion US dollars in the next fiscal year. some of
export minerals of Ethiopia include Gold, sapphire, opal, tantalum, emerald, gemstones,
marble, and other metallic and non-metallic minerals.
 page 20
CHAPTER 3
3.1 Type of mineral resorce
3.2 INDUSTRIAL MINERAL.
Ethiopia is a leading producer of mineral commodities such as gold, which accounts
for over 83% of output, but also produces limestone, salt, pumice and tantalum.
There is also significant informal production, with around 350,000 artisanal gold
miners estimated to support a population of up to five to seven million.
Cement Raw Minerals:-LST,Gyp,Cly,Pumice- M tones
Fertilizer Raw Minerals:-Potash-billion tones & phosphate-181Mt
Ceramics Raw Minerals:-Kaolin-20Mt, Feldspar-500000t,Qtz-400000t
Glass Raw Minerals Silica Sand-more than 3.4Mt,
Dimension Stones:-Marble, Granite,Lst,SSt – in Mt
Diatomite- 120Mt,Bentonite-172Mt Soda ash-460Mt,Salt-4.3Bt,
Graphit-460000t, Sulfur-6Mt, Talc-120000t, kayanite -10M

page 21
 figure 3.1 industrail mineral of ethiopia

3.2 ENERGY MINERALS

3.2.1 , Geothermal Potential
In the Ethiopian Rift Valley More than 10,000MW for power generationMore than
22geothermal Fields identified Two of the Fields(Aluto Langano &Tendaho)are at detailed
stage
page 22
figure. 3.2 geothermal energy

page 23
3.2.2, Coal– more than 500mt

fig 3.3 coal deposit in Ethiopia

page 24
3.2.3,Petroleum Potential

fig 3.4 petroleum potential in Ethiopia.

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 3.3.METALLIC MINERAL.

where we get metallic mineral?

In the Western and Northern Greenstone Belts of the country (finest mining reserve in
gold mining), orogenic mines have been located; also discovered in this area are ores of the
volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS). Tantalum is mined at the Kenticha Tantalite mining,
such as gold . Copper, tantalum, iron and nickel

3.4 Non metallic mineral

Nonmetallic minerals are, for example, sand, gravel, limestone, clay, and marble. Such
materials lack metallic characteristics like good electric and thermic conductivity, luster,
rigor, and malleability; they are, however, essential for many industries.

3.5. Dimension stone mineral

In the exploitation of massive stone (dimensional stone),large, commercial blocks are

extracted in the quarry and transported to a processing plant for final shaping and finishing
to slabs and tiles .there are marble, limestone The most interesting deposits of marble are
found in thewestern part of Wellega (Daleti) and Gojam (Mora, Bulen, Mankush and
Baruda).

Page 26

The area is quite remote, and transport distances to Addis Ababa vary between 550 and 800
km,for the most part along non-paved roads.Calcitic limestone of dimension-stone quality
is predominantly found within the Jurassic Antalo limestone (central part of the country)
and the Hamanlei Series (east-central part).
The best exposures and the most interesting deposits of the Antalo Limestone are found in
the central part of the Abay Valley, and side valleys such as the Jema, Wonchit andMuger
valley

3.6. Gemstone mineral

The country is known to have significant deposits of at least nine gemstones: opal;
corndium, beryl, garnet, peridot, quartz species and tourmaline. Most recently emerald, the
most prized beryl of all, has been discovered in quantity approximately 300 miles south of
the capital, Addis Ababa, in the Seba Boru district.

page 27

chapter four
4.1 GEOLOGY
The geology of Ethiopia includes rocks of the Neoproterozoic East African Orogeny,
Jurassic marine sediments and Quaternary rift-related volcanism. Events that greatly
shaped Ethiopian geology is the assembly and break-up of Gondwana and the present-day
rifting of Africa. Rocks formed by the East African Orogeny 880 to 550 million years ago
make up the oldest geological units in Ethiopia.[1] The orogeny caused the closure of the
ancient Mozambique Ocean.The orogeny caused the closure of the ancient Mozambique
Ocean.

underlain by rocks of
➢ Precambrian to recent

Precambrian covers 25%

(low-grade volcano-
sedimentary rocks, high
grade rocks and mafic
to felsic intrusives)
➢ Palaeozoic – few places

page 28
➢ Mesozoic sed.Rocks-25%

➢ Cenozoic volc. & sed.50%

•Highland Tertiary volcanics fig geology of ETHIOPIA

(basalts)
➢ •Tertiary as well as Quaternary volcanics

sediments of the rift valley.

➢ Quaternary sediments & volcanics

different parts of Ethiopia

4.2 ,Geological Processes and the Resulting Landforms of Ethiopia
4.2.1 The Precambrian Era Geologic Processes (4.5 .billion – 600 million
years ago)
The Precambrian Era covers 5/6th of the Earth’s history. Due to its remoteness in time and
the absence of well-preserved fossils, our knowledge of the events is limited. The major
geologic event of the Precambrian Era was As a result, the land was subjected to intense
folding which was accompanied by intrusive igneous activity. The result was the formation
of huge mountain ranges. The Precambrian rocks are covered by younger rock formations.
Therefore, in most parts of Ethiopia rocks belonging to this Era are found beneath all other
rocks, forming the basement rocks. Since, they had been subjected to pressure and heat
from overlying rocks, earth movements (folding, orogenesis) and to intrusive igneous
activity; the original rocks were altered into metamorphic rocks of varying stages of
metamorphism. Since these same processes have allowed mineralization and crystal
formation, the rocks are also collectively described as crystalline rocks.The Precambrian
rocks are overlaid by recent rock formations.
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However, as surface rocks covering 25% of the land mass of the country; they are found
exposed in the following areas:
In the northern part: Western lowlands, parts of northern and central Tigray
In the western Part: Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz (Metekel and Asossa), western
Gojjam, western Wellega, Illuababora, and Abay gorge.
In the southern Part: Guji, southern Omo, and parts of southern Bale and Borena.
In the eastern part: Eastern Hararghe.

4.3.The Paleozoic Era Geologic Processes (600 million – 225 million years
ago)
The Paleozoic Era lasted for about 375 million years. The major geological process of this
Era was denudation. The gigantic mountains that were formed by the Precambrian orogeny
were subjected to intense and prolonged denudation. At the end, the once gigantic
mountain ranges were reduced to a “peneplained” surface. Undulating plain with some
residual features (inselbergs) here and there was formed. The sediments were transported
southward and eastward to form continental (in Africa) and marine deposits, respectively.
Because of the limited deposition within Ethiopia, rocks belonging to this Era are rare in
the country.

4.4. The Mesozoic Era Geologic Processes (225-70 million years ago)
This Mesozoic era was an Era of alternate slows sinking and rising (epeirogenesis) of the
landmass. This process affected the whole present-day Horn of Africa and Arabian
landmass. At the same time the land was tilted eastward and therefore lower in the
southeast and higher in the northwest. Ethiopia, the slow rise of the land and consequently
the regression of the sea began in the Upper Jurassic. It continued throughout the
Cretaceous period.
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With the retreat of the sea, another process of deposition occurred. Gypsum, shale and at
last sands were laid over the Hintalo limestone. The uppermost layer is known as the Upper
sandstone. By the end of the Mesozoic Era, when the land emerged out of the sea, three
major sedimentary formations were laid and formed upon the Precambrian rock surface.
The Mesozoic sedimentary rocks cover 25% of the land mass of the country.
The transgressing sea and Mesozoic sediments nearly covered the whole of Ethiopia. The
northwestern limit was as far as central Tigray, and western slopes of Western highlands.
In most parts of Ethiopia, the Mesozoic rocks are overlaid by the Cenozoic rocks. As
surface rocks, these old marine sediments are extensively found in the Southeast lowlands.
Other exposures include central Tigray, and along the gorges of Abay and Wabishebelle
rivers.

4.5. The Cenozoic Era Geologic Processes (70million years ago – Present)
The Cenozoic Era is the most recent of the geologic Eras. The tectonic and volcanic
activities that took place in this Era have an important effect in the making of the present-
day landmass of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. The land was subjected to two major
geologic events and other geologic processes of lesser magnitude but still important. These
geologic activities are.

1) 1Uplifting of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass and outpouring of huge quantity of

lava.

2) Formation of the Rift Valley.

 3) Quaternary volcanism and deposition.
 
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4. 5.1. Uplifting of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass and outpouring of lava

flood
The uplifting of the whole of the Arabo-Ethiopian landmass is a continuation of the slow
rise that began in the Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Where the uplifting was of
greater magnitude, the land was pushed up to a maximum height of 2,000 meters above sea
level. This uplifting was of an epeirogenic character. The whole of the Arabo-Ethiopian
landmass was pushed up in blocks as one mass. The greatest uplift was in central Ethiopia.
This immense tectonic force also fractured the crust at many places. Huge quantity of lava
came out through these fractures. The out pouring of this flood of basalt spread widely and
extensively and covered a large part of the Mesozoic sedimentary layer to form the
Ethiopian plateau surface and also the floor of the present-day Rift Valley. At that time the
Rift Valley was not yet formed. The mass of lava was so immense, that it formed a thick
layer of volcanic rocks on the plateau, which amounted to more than 1,000 meters above
sea level in the north Central Highlands. This volcanic material is known as Trappean lava
or Trapean Series lava.

4.5.2 The Formation of the Rift Valley

The formation of the Rift Valley is said to be related with the theory of plate tectonics.
According to the theory, the Rift Valley may be lying on the Earth’s crust below which
lateral movement of the crust in opposite directions producing tensional forces that caused
parallel fractures or faults on the sides of the up-arched swell. As the tension widened the
fractures, the central part of the landmass collapsed to form an extensive structural
depression known as the Rift Valley.
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The Ethiopian Rift Valley is part of the Great East African Rift system that extends from
Palestine-Jordan in the north to Malawi-Mozambique in the south, for a distance of about
7,200 kilometers. Of these, 5,600 kilometers is in Africa, and 1,700 kilometers in Eritrea
and Ethiopia.

• On land, the widest part of the Rift Valley is the Afar Triangle (200-300 km). The
Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the East African System meet and form the
triangular depression of the Afar where the Kobar Sink lies about 125 meters below
sea level.
• The formation of the Gulf of Aden and the separation of the Arabian Peninsula from
the Horn of Africa also took place during the Tertiary period.
• The Rift Valley region of Ethiopian is the most unstable part of the country. There
are numerous hot springs, fumorales, active volcanoes, geysers, and frequent
earthquakes.

mation of the Rift Valley has The for the following structural (physiographic) effects.

• It separates the Arabian landmass from African landmass.

• It causes the formation of the Dead Sea, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden troughs.
• It creates basins and fault depressions on which the Rift Valley lakes are formed.

• It divides the Ethiopian Plateau into two.

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• 4.6.Quaternary Volcanic Eruptions and Depositions

 • They include recent volcanic activities that took place after the formation of the Rift
Valley. This occurred in the Pliocene-Pleistocene Epochs.This activity was
generally limited to the floor of the Rift Valley and the region south of Lake Tana,
where the lava covers an area of more than 3,000 km .

• Aden volcanics and recent faulting are more extensively developed in the Afar
region. The latter phenomenon is also widely manifested in the main Ethiopian Rift,
especially in its northern section. Because of their recent occurrence, the Aden
volcanics have relatively well-preserved and visible morphological features.

• The basic volcanic features of the Aden series include the following:
• Numerous and freshly preserved volcanic cones, many of which have explosive
craters. Some of these are active Dubi, Erta Ale, Afreraetc. Of these, Erta Ale is the
most active volcano in Ethiopia.
• Volcanic hills and mountains, some of which are semi-dormant (Fantale, Boseti-
Gouda near Adama, Aletu north of Lake Ziway, Chebbi north of Lake Hawassa
etc.).

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Chapter 5
5.1 conclusion
The Geological Setup of Ethiopia is diverse and
attractive :-
 For mineral exploration and development operations For Potential investor & research
in the fields of geo- science The investment environment is also attractive
 Competitive legal framework Commitment of government to support investment
 adequate infrastructure Political stability.The geology of Ethiopia includes rocks of the
Neoproterozoic East African Orogeny, Jurassic marine sediments and Quaternary rift-
related volcanism. Events that greatly shaped Ethiopian geology is the assembly and break-
up of Gondwana and the present-day rifting of Africa. geology of Ethiopia ranges from
oldest (Precambrian) to recent volcanic and sedimentary formation. The formation of the
Rift Valley is said to be related with the theory of plate tectonics. The Cenozoic Era is the

most recent of the geologic Eras.The Precambrian Era covers 5/6th of the Earth’s history.
The Paleozoic Era lasted for about 375 million years. The major geological process of this
Era was denudation. The Paleozoic Era lasted for about 375 million years. era was an Era
of alternate slows sinking and rising (epeirogenesis) of the landmass.

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Ethiopia is a leading producer of mineral commodities such as gold, which accounts for
over 83% of output, but also produces limestone, salt, pumice and tantalum. There is also
significant informal production, with around 350,000 artisanal gold miners estimated to
support a population of up to five to seven million. Ethiopia has earned more than 680
million U.S. dollars from the mineral export in the 2020/21 Ethiopian Fiscal Year that
ended on July 7, 2021, according to Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.
 page 37
5.2. Reference .

Mengesh, T., Tadiwos, C. & Workineh, H. 1996: Geological Map of Ethio-pia;

1:2,000,000. Ethiopian Institute of Geological Surveys.
Mohr, P.A. 1971: The Geology of Ethiopia, Hailessilase I University Press,Addis
Ababa.
Shadmon, A. 1996: Stone - an Introduction, Intermediate Technology
Publication, London.
Alene, M. 1998. Tectonomagmatic evolution of the Neoproterozoic rocks of the Mai
Kenetal-Negash area, Tigrai, northern Ethiopia. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University
of Turin, Italy.
Alene, M., Jenkin, G. R.T., Leng, M. J & Darbyshire, F.D.P. 2006. The Tambien
Group,
Ethiopia: An early Cryogenian (ca. 800-735 Ma) Neoproterozoic sequence in the
Arabian-
Nubian Shield. Precambrian Research, 147: 79-99.
8. SUDCA, 2013, Socio-Economic Baseline Survey of Artisan and Small-Scale
Mining (ASM)
Communities in the Rural Ethiopia (submitted to the MoM/World Ban
3. Economic Intelligence Unit: The African Union’s Africa Mining Vision of 2009
http://aigaforum.com/
articles/economi-unit-on-mining-eth.php- accessed on 30th january 2016
4. Mining Operations Proclamation No. 816/2013 issued by the government of the
Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia
5. Mining Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010 issued by the government of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
6. MoM (2012) Artisan Mining Activities in Ethiopia:- Challenges & Opportunitiesr (
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