Diatomite in Ethiopia

Ministry of Mines of Ethiopia
Dear Investors,
MINERAL RESOURCES OF
Diatomite deposit at Chefe-Jila area.
ascribed to the association of volcanic ash,
clay and calcareous concretions.
According to their physico-chemical char-
The chemical composition, location and
resource and physical tests are shown in
tables 1 to 3.
We take this opportunity to welcome you
to Ethiopia.
We promise to make every possible effort
to provide you with all required information
on the mineral sector in Ethiopia.
If you require information on the mining
law, licensing conditions and the investment
climate in Ethiopia, please contact
the Mineral Licensing and Administration
Department:
Ministry of Mines
Mineral Licensing and Administration
acteristics, the high quality diatomite can be
Department
used for filtration and as a catalyst carrier in
the chemical industry. Diatomite of lower
Opportunities
P.O. Box 486
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
quality can also be used as pesticide carrier,
filler, thermal insulating material and lightweight
bricks. The total resources of Gade
The main Ethiopian Rift, due to its widespread
silica volcanism and lacustrine basins, is the
most favorable site for the accumulation of
Tel. +251 11 6461214
Fax +251 11 6463454
Motta, Adami Tulu, Chefe Jilla and Abiyata
diatomite are more than 40 million tons of
fresh water diatomite deposits. Occurrences of
Diatomite are also encountered in Anani,
Email: information@mome.gov.et
www.mome.gov.et
which about 85% are contributed by the
Wonji, Arba, Kora, Afdem, Bishan Karabe and
Gade Motta diatomite.
by the Derba river and the Lefleta stream.
Table 1 Chemical Compositions of diatomite (%)
Locality Oxide (weight %)
SiO 2
Al 2
O 3
Fe 2
O 3
CaO MgO Na 2
O K 2
O MnO TiO 2
P 2
O 5
H 2
O LOI
Chefe Jilla 84.5 3.14 1.5 1.89 0.72 1.64 0.78 0.02 0.2 0.34 - 4.68
Adami Tulu 86.7 3.36 2.2 0.14 0.22 1.63 0.84 0.03 0.2 0.62 - 3.66
Gada Mota 85.5 3.68 2.4 1.11 0.36 1.18 0.73 0.04 0.28 0.38 - 3.78
Table 2 Location and resource of diatomite of Ethiopia
Area Name of Resource Easting Northing Resource
(province) deposits group* (million tons)
Lakes Region Abiyata (1, 2) 38°28´00´´E 07°40´00´´N 5.05
Lakes Region Adami Tulu 2 38°45´30´´E 07°51´00´´N 0.2
Lakes Region Chefe Jilla 2 38°51´20´´E 07°50´30´´N 0.055
Lakes Region Gada Motta (1, 2, 3) 38°38´45´´E 07°51´22´´N 35.6
W. Hararghe Hade Hulu 2 40°18´48´´E 08°54´14´´N 4.2
* 1 - measured, 2 - indicated, 3 - inferred resources
Table 3 Physical properties of
diatomite (on average)
Physical Test Abiyata Adami Tulu Chefe Jilla
type
diatomite diatomite
Shaking density 169g/l 162g/l 163g/l
Jolting density 260g/l 258g/l 268g/l
Block density 0.42g/cm 3 0.42g/cm 3 0.32g/cm 3
Porosity 85.6% 73.4% 76.7%
Water content 5.1% 9.7% 12.7%
If you require information on the geology
and mineral opportunities in Ethiopia,
please contact the Geological Survey of
Ethiopia (GSE):
Geological Survey of Ethiopia
P.O. Box 2303
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel. +251 6 463325
Fax +251 6 463326
Email: Survey@ethionet.et
www.geology.gov.et
We are looking forward to your mining
investment in Ethiopia.
Prepared with assistance from GEUS.
December 2010