• Benishangul-Gumuz delivered more gold in 7 months than entire previous fiscal year total.
• Seven-month gold deliveries reached 100%+ of prior year annual output benchmark.
• Region accounts for a significant share of Ethiopia’s total gold export volumes.
• Gold remains one of Ethiopia’s top foreign exchange earning commodities.
• Deliveries driven mainly by artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
• Government collection and supply monitoring mechanisms contributed to higher reported volumes.

why it matters?

Exceeding 100% of last year’s output in seven months signals stronger FX inflows and improved gold supply tracking in Ethiopia’s mining sector.

• Ministry of Mines issued production licenses to three companies on March 13, 2026. 

• Ethiopian Investment Holding received a potash production license. 

• ZYTB-DIM Steel Manufacturing received an iron production license. 

• Bero Mining received a gold production license. 

• The three projects are expected to require USD 4.2 billion in combined investment. 

• Ministry said the projects aim to expand mineral output, exports and reduce foreign exchange losses. 

• ZYTB-DIM said it plans to produce 2 million metric tons every two years. 

Why it matters?
The licenses move three mining projects from exploration into production. For Ethiopia, that affects export earnings, industrial raw material supply, and future fertilizer and steel input availability. 

• Geological survey identified 81 million tonnes of coal in Southern Ethiopia.

• Survey conducted by Ethiopian Geological Survey.

• Deposit located in Southern Ethiopia Regional State.

• Coal resource classified based on geological assessment data.

• Findings add to Ethiopia’s domestic mineral resource base.

• Survey forms part of national mineral exploration program.

• Authority indicated potential for industrial and energy sector use.

why it matters?
The 81 million tonne coal discovery increases Ethiopia’s documented mineral reserves. It provides additional domestic resource data for energy and industrial planning.

• Zijin Gold International agreed to acquire Allied Gold Corporation for C$5.5 billion (about US$4.0 billion) in an all-cash transaction at C$44 per share, a 27% premium to the 30-day average. 

• Transaction financed entirely from Zijin’s cash reserves with no financing conditions and expected closing by late April 2026. 

• Shareholder & regulatory approvals required; Allied directors holding ~15.4% of shares have agreed to support the deal. 

• Upon completion, Allied Gold will be delisted from the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. 

• Deal includes a C$220 million termination fee payable by Allied under specified conditions. 

Why it matters: This acquisition significantly increases Zijin’s portfolio of large-scale gold assets in Africa, including those in Ethiopia, and reflects continued consolidation in the global mining sector. The all-cash structure provides immediate value to Allied Gold shareholders without financing contingencies.