In 2024, Ethiopia was estimated to be the world’s 5th-ranked producer of soda ash, accounting for 0.1% of global production; 8th-ranked producer of tantalum, accounting for about 2% of global production; and 10th-ranked producer of pumice, accounting for about 3% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included cement, clays, gemstones, gold, niobium, platinum, silver, stone, and sand and gravel. Production of mineral commodities represented only a minor part of the economy of Ethiopia. The country exported gold to Switzerland and imported fertilizers from Morocco.
The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Ethiopia is provided by the Mining Operation Proclamation No. 678/2010 of August 4th, 2010, as amended by Proclamation No. 816/2013 of March 19, 2014, and Proclamation No. 1213/2020 of July 14, 2020. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum oversees the mineral and petroleum sectors and provides for the granting of exploration and mining licenses as the regulatory organ of the mines and petroleum sector. Most mineral commodities were produced by privately owned companies and artisanal small-scale miners.
