Addis ababa: Ethiopia holds significant untapped geological potential that could unlock major investment opportunities in mining and critical minerals, according to experts from the Czech Geological Survey.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Jan Cernk, a geologist and international projects manager at the Czech Geological Survey, emphasized the country's underexplored resources, which include tantalum, rare earth elements, tungsten, and other minerals. He highlighted the importance of reliable geological data to attract investment and enable Ethiopia to develop viable projects in the mining sector.
Cernk pointed out that geological mapping and data are vital for future mining investments. Ethiopia's ongoing mining sector reforms, supported by European Union funding, have laid a strong foundation for this development. Improvements in mining governance, licensing procedures, and mining cadastre systems are enhancing the investment climate in the country.
He further mentioned that Ethiopia's broader reform agenda, combined with improved energy access and robust geological data systems, positions the nation favorably to advance its mining sector ambitions. Cernk concluded that Ethiopia is well-placed to achieve its goals in the mining industry.
Czech Geological Survey (CGS) Manager, Petr Mixa, noted that Ethiopia's mineral prospects are largely underexplored, especially in the western and southern regions. Czech experts have been working in Ethiopia for nearly 15 years, focusing on geological mapping in collaboration with Ethiopian institutions.
According to Mixa, only about half of Ethiopia's territory is currently covered by detailed geological maps, leaving substantial regions with unknown mineral potential. He suggested that these unexplored areas might contain valuable resources like gold and critical raw materials such as rare earth elements and manganese, vital for modern industries and green technologies.
Mixa underscored the importance of digitalizing geoscientific data to attract investors. He advocated for accessible digital systems that integrate geological maps, geophysical data, geochemistry, and drill core information, which are essential for making informed investment decisions.
He also highlighted Ethiopia as one of the Czech Republic's priority partners, with ongoing support directed towards geological mapping, hydro-geology, and the assessment of geological hazards.