The mining sector is contributing hugely to the transformation of the economy by supplying minerals required as industrial inputs amply, Ministry of Mines (MoM) announced.
MoM Communication Director, Bacha Faji told ENA that the mining sector has been accelerating the transformation of the country to industrial-led economy by producing minerals extensively.
The director, who recalled the acute shortage of cement in the country due to lack of mineral inputs for cement production, said the mining sector is now producing huge inputs such as lime stone, gypsum, tantalum and other minerals.
Besides, it is currently encouraging the establishment of factories near localities where the mineral inputs for them are found, he added.
According to Bacha, 2.255 billion USD was obtained over the past four years from gold
, tantalum and other minerals.
Revenues from minerals increased from 12.7 billion USD in 2009 to the current 30.87 billion USD, the director stated.
Of the more than 315 companies engaged in the sector, 66 are foreign-owned, it was learned.
The sector has directly and indirectly created jobs for over one million citizens, it was also indicated.
[EthiopianNewsAgency]