Mineral Resources Potential - Geothermal Resources

188 Mineral Resources Potentid of Ethiopia
gemdtones (e.g. beryl, aquamarine, tourmaline, pet, spinel,
top~z, chalcedony and agate, jasper, petrified wood, chrysoprase)
are reported to occur in Sidamo (Kenticha, Kibre Mengist area),
Harm (Babile, Jijiga: amethyst, garnet), and Tigray (Axum and
Adwa area: amethyst, agate, chalcedony). Primary occurrences are
related to pegmatite-granite rocks; the gravels of some of the major
rivers of Ethiopia host some secondary alluvial occurrences.
Besides, there are plentiful indications suggesting the presence of a
variety of gemstones in Ethiopia, including ruby (Kibre Mengist),
sapphire @ills area), emerald (Cheri, Fularia, Moyale), and
diamond (Turmi, Moyale). Gemstone is, therefore, regarded as one
of the rich mineral resources of the country, which deserves proper
investigation.
Artisanal and small-scale miners produced a variety of
gemstones. Opal was found at Mezezo in Amhara Regional State;
garnet, at Harshitmi; sapphire, at Bonga; aquamarine, at Chembi,
Kenticha, and Kilkile; emerald, at Chembi; and peridot, at
Chewbet, Gofa Gedo, Mega, Megado, and Tbsy. Other gemstones
produd included amazonite, amethyst, quartz, and tourmaline. In
fiscal year 2003-04, -the production of opal increased to 370 kg
from 187 kg in fiscal year 2002-03; md garnet, to 1 1 kg from 6 kg.
Presently there is a very widespread illegal transactions of
gemstones largely smuggled out of Ethiogia. According to the
Mineral Operation Department, the gemstones involved in illegal
transactions include opal, bwyl, corunddum (ruby and sapphire),
garnet, and peridot. It is also lemt that many gemstone bearers
were not willing to locate where the gem came from. Therefore,
this seems so crucial considering the urgent -need required to
reduce illegal trading and smuggling out unprocessed gemstones,