Ethiopia, particularly Afar, holds enormous potential for mineral raw materials, including salt, potash, and gold. Mining is crucial to Ethiopia's economy, diversifying from agriculture. Gold, gemstones, and industrial minerals are vital commodities for the country's export-oriented growth strategy.
Potash reserves are estimated to be above 1.3 billion tons. Currently, two foreign companies are licensed for investment in the exploration of the potash mine. Most potash is found in the Dallol area located in Afar.
The Afar region has a huge potential for mineral resources, as the region has abundant and diverse mineral deposits, such as:
| Mineral | Reserve | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Potash | Above 1.3 billion tons | Dallol area |
| Bromine, chlorine, lithium | Unknown | Afdera and Asale lakes |
| Gold | 50-250 tons | Various locations |
| Silver | 10-50 tons | Various locations |
| Manganese | 1-10 million tons | Various locations |
| Marble | Above 50 million tons | Various locations |
| Nickel | 0.2-2 million tons | Various locations |
| Cobalt | Unknown | Various locations |
| Quartz | 0.1-1 million tons | Various locations |
| Salt | 5-50 million tons | Various locations |
The geology of the area is characterized by Neoproterozoic metavolcanic and metasediments, Quaternary alluvial fan deposits and red beds, a transitional zone of mud and salt mixture, and evaporites, which consist of rock salt (commonly halite and potash) and sulfur/sulfides. Currently, two foreign companies are licensed for investment in the exploration of the potash mine.
Join hands with Afar Investment Commission and unlock a world of opportunities. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in realizing your investment goals in the Afar region.
