Ethiopia has officially launched a new national precious metals refinery, designed to process more than 600 tonnes of gold annually. The facility, announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on October 10, marks a significant step in expanding the country’s ability to process raw minerals locally. This initiative aims to increase the value generated from Ethiopia’s natural resources by reducing reliance on exporting raw materials.
The refinery is expected to enhance the country’s mining sector by enabling more efficient refining processes. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the project as a major milestone in strengthening Ethiopia’s position in the global precious metals market. The facility will allow the country to add value to its gold output before exporting, potentially increasing revenue and creating jobs.
This development comes as part of broader efforts to diversify Ethiopia’s economy and reduce dependence on raw material exports. The government has been pushing for industrialization and value addition in key sectors, including mining. The new refinery aligns with these goals by providing a local processing hub that can handle a significant portion of the country’s gold production. The project also reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting strategic industries.
