The Amhara regional government has announced that geological studies have confirmed the presence of more than 51 types of minerals, including deposits considered suitable for industrial development.

According to the region’s Mineral Resource Development Bureau, construction is under way on granite and marble processing plants in Bahir Dar, Bure, Debre Markos and other towns, based on findings from the surveys.

Haile Abebe, head of the bureau, stated that initiatives are also advancing to develop the region’s iron ore deposits. He noted that the ore is of high quality and can support industrial applications.

In the Ethiopian fiscal year 2024/25, the region produced 100 kilograms of gold, which was delivered to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). The bureau also reported $10 million in earnings from mineral exports and a further $113 million in revenues from by-products.

Nationally, the mining sector contributes less than one percent of Ethiopia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), though it accounts for a more substantial share of export revenues. Gold remains the leading mineral export, with artisanal and small-scale miners providing a significant portion of output. The government has set a target for mining to reach up to 10% of GDP in the coming years.