Over 140 Quarry Producers Halt Operations in Oromia, Association Says

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian Construction Inputs Producers and Mining Resource Operators Association says more than 140 quarry firms across Oromia have suspended operations due to unresolved land allocation disputes and regulatory uncertainty. This is deepening pressure on construction material supply chains in fast-growing urban corridors.

Over 100 quarry operators in Sheger City alone have been forced to halt production, with some shutdowns lasting close to a year. Quarry operators are a critical upstream link in Ethiopia’s construction sector.

Association executive director Hailemariam Gebisa said several production sites were closed without clear legal process. Land previously allocated for investment was reassigned, sometimes linked to what operators referred to as a “Sheger Investment Group.”

He also raised concerns about an alleged informal 70/30 revenue-sharing arrangement that falls outside formal regulations. The shutdowns have now lasted about 10 months with repeated dialogue attempts failing to yield results.

Sheger City officials disputed some of the claims, saying no formal complaints were submitted. The situation is causing project delays and cost increases across the construction value chain.

Stakeholders are calling for urgent resolution to restore quarry operations and stabilize material supply in Oromia and surrounding regions.