November, 2022

Addis Abeba ,Ethiopia

Contents
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES ................................................................................................iii
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1.Coal geology ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.Forms of coal .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.COAL MINING HISTORY IN ETHIOPIA .................................................................................. 7
3.BENEFIT OF COAL FOR ETHIOPIAN ECONOMY ................................................................. 7
4. ETHIOPIAN COAL DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES .................................................... 10
4.1. COAL OCCURRENCE IN AMHARA REGION ............................................................... 18
4.1.1. Chilga Basin Coal Exploration ..................................................................................... 18
4.1.2. Mush Valley Basin Coal Exploration ........................................................................... 19
4.1.3. Wuchale-Robit and Mersa Coal and Oil shale Exploration .......................................... 20
4.2. COAL OCCURRENCE IN SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA REGION .................................... 21
4.2.1. Tercha coal Exploration ................................................................................................ 21
4.2.2. Gojeb-Chida-Waka coal Exploration ............................................................................ 22
4.2.3. Coal and oil shale deposits in Lalo-Sapo Basin ............................................................ 24
4.3. COAL OCCURRENCE IN OROMIA REGION ................................................................ 24
4.3.1. Geba Basin (Yayu) Coal Exploration ........................................................................... 25
4.3.2. Sola Area Coal Exploration .......................................................................................... 27
4.3.3. Seka Area Coal Exploration .......................................................................................... 27
4.3.4. Delbi-Moye Basin Coal and Oil shale Exploration ...................................................... 28
4.3.5. Soyoma - Yeba Area Coal Exploration......................................................................... 29
4.3.6. Debre Libanos Area Coal Exploration .......................................................................... 30
4.3.7. Mugher Area Coal Exploration ..................................................................................... 30
4.3.8. Jiren Coal Exploration .................................................................................................. 31
4.3.9. Mendi Area Coal Exploration ....................................................................................... 31
4.3.10. Nejo Coal Exploration ................................................................................................ 32
4.3.11. Arjo (Getema) Area .................................................................................................... 33
4.4. COAL OCCURRENCE IN SNNPR REGION .................................................................... 33
4.4.1. Halale and Bosa-Borta area coal exploration ................................................................ 34
4.5. COAL OCCURRENCE IN BENISHANGUL GUMUZ REGION .................................... 34
4.5.1. Kamashi Woreda sites ................................................................................................... 35
4.5.2. Sogge Woreda sites ....................................................................................................... 35

i|Page
 4.5.3. Meseret Mine site .......................................................................................................... 35
4.5.4. Garri Mine site .............................................................................................................. 36
5.OTHER NEW PROSPECT AREA.............................................................................................. 36
6. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 37
7. RECOMMENDATION .............................................................................................................. 38
REFERENCE .................................................................................................................................. 39
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................................... 41

ii | P a g e
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1 Different grades of coal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
Figure 2 Coal formation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Figure 3 Coal-bearing areas map of the African continent. (International Commission on
Stratigraphy, 2008) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Figure 4 Ethiopia coal demand and production by scenario, 2010- 2040 ------------------------------ 9
Figure 5 Location map of coal deposits in Ethiopia ------------------------------------------------------ 12
Figure 6 Location map of coal deposits in Ethiopia ----------------------------------------------------- 15
Figure 7 coal license location (Research & Development Directorate 2021) ------------------------ 16
Figure 8 Coal resource of Ethiopia (adopted GIS operation by Kebede Woldie 2007 -------------- 14

Table 1 Ethiopian coal deposits areas ............................................................................................. 17

iii | P a g e
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Coal geology

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel available on the Earth which accounts for about 55 %
of the Worlds electricity generation. It can be defined as a complex heterogeneous mixture
of plant substances which are altered due to physical and chemical processes. These
processes have been taking place for several million years and have been accomplished by
bacteria, heat and pressure inside the Earth’s crust. It primarily consists of Carbon along
with Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sulphur… etc. as secondary components.
Coal is a fossil fuel formed in ecosystems where plant remains were preserved by wood
and mud from oxidation and biodegradation. For millions of years, a layer of dead plants at
the bottom of the swamps was covered by layers of water and dirt, trapping the energy of
the dead plants. The heat and pressure from the top layers helped the plant remains turn
into what we call today coal. Coal is a readily combustible black or brownish-black
sedimentary rock composed mostly of carbon and hydrocarbons, with small quantities of
other elements, notably sulfur. It is a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions
of years to create.

Figure 1 Different grades of coal

1|Page
Coal formation starts from the plant debris and ends at Graphite at its highest maturity.
This process may be complete or may be stopped at any stage giving rise to coal of varying
maturity thus various Ranks. The commonly used ranks of coal are Peat, Lignite, Sub
Bituminous, Bituminous, Semi-Anthracite and Anthracite. Peat, being the poorest variety,
is usually not considered as coal. With the progress of coal formation, the amount of
moisture and oxygen decreases; the amount of carbon increases. The calorific value
increases from 4500 kcal/kg for Lignite to 8500 kcal/kg for Anthracite.
During the coal formation Vegetation continued to grow for many generations and
centuries, forming vast, thick peat beds which were later to turn into coal. After a time, the
areas of swamp gradually became submerged by shallow seas, where they were covered by
sediment. These sediments would later become sedimentary rock. This cycle of swamp
followed by submersion was often repeated a number of times, so that a sequence of
horizontal bands of peat and inorganic, sedimentary rock was built up. This formed the first
stage, called the biochemical stage subsequently, the bands of peat were altered by the
action of pressure and temperature during the second, or geochemical stage, to form the
various kinds of coal found today.

Figure 2 Coal formation

2|Page
The energy in coal comes from the energy stored by plants that lived hundreds of millions
of years ago, when the earth was partly covered with swampy forests. Coal is burned to
produce energy and is used to manufacture steel. It is used as an alternative source for heat
generation in lime, aluminum scrap, coke production, cement production, smelting of
copper and metallurgical industries. In addition to this, it is used in various chemical
industries and production of nitrogenous fertilizers such as urea (Tibebu et al, 2003).
The Geological Survey of Ethiopia and Addis Ababa University carried out some
exploration work to locate and assess coal occurrences of the country, the search for
alternative low grade fuels like coal and oil shale continued in different parts of the country
to respond to the critical demand of energy and agricultural inputs.
The coal industry in Ethiopia is relatively young, with exploration efforts dating back to the
1940s. Deposits are estimated to amount to 600 million tons identified nationwide. Small-
scale coal producers cover 55% of the national coal demand, which goes mostly to cement
production; Ethiopia doesn’t currently have industrial-scale coal-mining projects.
The production of Coal will help the country to use its potential as a substitute for large amount of
coal imported with large foreign currency spending. Cheaper cost of production, the possibility to
create more jobs and easier transportation and as a replacement of imports by hard earned foreign
currency gives the country a comparative advantage to produce coal at the national level. The
ministry of mines has plan to substitute imported coal by local coal and in January 2022, it
granted large-scale coal-mining licenses to eight companies nationwide, with the aim of reaching
an aggregate annual production capacity of 4.2 million metric tons of coal within 10 years. One of
these companies is Oromia Mining S.C., which was granted mining rights to a 502-hectare
(1,240-acre) concession in Yayu district.

The Ethiopian coal beds range in thickness from a few centimeters to 3.50 In (Delbi). The rank of
carbonification ranges from lignite to bituminous coal (Kindo valley, by Babu 1981). The lower
stage is more widespread. The quality has also a wide range and the most important parameter is
the ash content. In general the coals of Ethiopia are of high ash content. It is not possible to
generalize other quality parameters in lack of enough data’s.

3|Page
1.2. Forms of coal

We use the term "coal" to describe a variety of fossilized plant materials, but no two coals
are exactly alike. Heating value, ash melting temperature, sulfur and other impurities,
mechanical strength, and many other chemical and physical properties must be considered
when matching specific coals to a particular application.
The precursor to coal is peat. Peat is a soft, organic material consisting of partly decayed
plant and mineral matter. When peat is placed under high pressure and heat, it undergoes
physical and chemical changes (coalification) to become coal.

COAL RANKS

Plant material  Peat  Lignite  Subbituminous  Bituminous  Anthracite

-------------------- Increasing heat and pressure ----------------------

Coal is classified as a non-renewable energy source because it takes millions of years to

form. The energy in coal comes from the energy stored by plants that lived hundreds of
millions of years ago. All living plants store energy from the sun through a process known
as photosynthesis.
Coal is classified into four general categories or "ranks"; they range from Lignite through
sub-bituminous and bituminous to anthracite depending on the amounts and types of
carbon it contains and on the amount of heat energy it can produce; reflecting the
progressive response of individual deposits of coal.
Coal is a hydrocarbon that is classified according to the amount of heat it produces. Heat
content depends upon the amount of fixed carbon it contains. Rank is the degree of
progressive alteration in the transformation from lignite to anthracite.
The different types of coal are:
I. Peat
II. Lignite
III. Subbituminous
IV. Bituminous Coal
V. Anthracite Coal

4|Page
There are four primary ranks of coal:
Lignite Coal: – Lignite coal, aka brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least
concentration of carbon. Lignite has a low heating value and high moisture content and is
mainly used in electricity generation.
This is the lowest ranked type of coal and the largest portion of the world’s coal reserves
are made up of lignite coal. This soft brownish-black coal has the lowest energy content
and the highest moisture content as being a relatively young formation of coal it has had
less exposure to heat and pressure. Lignite has a carbon content of about 25-to-35 percent
and is therefore used in large quantities to produce electricity in power plants.
Sub-Bituminous coal: – Sub-bituminous coal is black in color and is mainly dull (not
shiny). Subbituminous coal has low-to-moderate heating values and is mainly used in
electricity generation.
Sub-bituminous coal is generally a dark brown to dull black in color coal that gives off a
little more heat energy than Lignite when burnt as it contains about 35-to-45 percent
carbon. Sub-bituminous coals, known as brown coal, are used for generating electricity as
some sub-bituminous coals have lower sulphur content than other types giving them an
environmental advantage when combusted .
Bituminous coal: – Bituminous coal is a middle rank coal between subbituminous and
anthracite. Bituminous coal usually has a high heating (Btu) value and is used in electricity
generation and steel making. Bituminous coal is blocky and appears shiny and smooth
when you first see it, but look closer and you might see it has thin, alternating, shiny and
dull layers
Bituminous coal, also called soft coal, is the most abundant form of coal containing
approximately 45-to-86 percent carbon. Because of its relatively high heat value and low
moisture content, its ease of transportation and storage, bituminous coal has the broadest
range of commercial uses among the coals. The heating value of bituminous coal is about
two to three times greater than Lignite.
Anthracite Coal: – The highest rank of coal. It is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal,
often referred to as hard coal, containing a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low
percentage of volatile matter.
Anthracite ranks the highest in terms of its hardness and calorific value. Its heating value is
slightly less than that of Bituminous Coal but has the highest carbon content of 86–to-98
percent. This high rank coal is mainly used for industrial and home heating applications
5|Page
because it burns nearly smokeless, generally has less than 10% volatile matter and ash-free.
The disadvantage of Anthracite coal is its low global supply.

Figure 3 Coal-bearing areas map of the African continent. (International Commission on

Stratigraphy, 2008)
6|Page
2. COAL MINING HISTORY IN ETHIOPIA

Ancient people mined coal by picking and scraping and used it for heating, cooking, and in
ceremonial chambers as early as the 12th century AD; in the 14th century they used it
industrially in pottery making. Small-scale mining of surface coal deposits dates back
thousands of years. The Romans were exploiting all major coalfields by the late 2nd
century AD. Coal was mined in America in the early 18th century, and commercial mining
started around 1730 in Midlothian, Virginia. Coal-cutting machines were invented in the
1880s. Before this invention, coal was mined from underground with a pick and shovel. By
1912, surface mining was conducted with steam shovels designed for coal mining. Coal
mining has had many developments over the recent years, from the early days of men
tunneling, digging and manually extracting the coal on carts, to large open cut and long
wall mines.
Coal exploration in Ethiopia dates back as early 1940s. Few coal occurrences were known
to be intensively mined by the Italians in the years between 1937-1940. From the later
dates up to 1983, the Geological Survey of Ethiopia and Addis Ababa University carried
out some exploration work to locate and assess coal occurrences of the country in order to
respond to the critical demand of energy and agricultural inputs. After the establishment of
the Ethiopian Institute of Geological Surveys in 1983, the search for alternative low grade
fuels like coal and oil shale continued in different parts of the country.
Coal seams are identified in various parts of the country ranging in thickness from few cm
to 4m.The geological setting of Ethiopian coal deposits and occurrences are grouped under
Pre-Trap (organic matter formed on Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and later covered by Pre-
rift basalt, trachyte and rhyolite) and Inter-Trappen lavas (those covered by younger
volcanic formations). As a result Ethiopian coal seams are characterized by high ash
content, low moisture and high to medium volatile matter. Generally the coal seams are
classified as humic, sapropelic and mixed coal with the former variety predominating over
the others. The coals also fall under soft coal series of lignite to sub-bituminous rank.

3. BENEFIT OF COAL FOR ETHIOPIAN ECONOMY

Energy is one of the basic inputs in economic development and human survival. Energy is
needed as an input in industry, agriculture, mining, construction and service-giving
organization. The availability of energy at a reasonable cost has always become a condition
7|Page
of industrial growth, economic and social progress. To overcome this problem, geological
studies were carried to find out a valuable amount of oil shale, coal, oil and gas deposits in
country. Coal, oil shale, oil and gas deposits could possibly play an important role in the
future energy budgets of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia energy demand is increasing from time to time due to high population growth
industrial development improved living standards and other factors. More over most of the
major economic sectors are dependent on imported coal products, while the prices of these
products are increasing at alarming rates. To alleviate these interrelated problems the
country has to search alternative options that utilize locally available resources and that
available resource is coal.

Coal is the second source of primary energy (roughly 30%), mostly used for power
generation Over 40% of worldwide electricity is produced from coal (www.iea.org). In
addition, coal is used to produce virtually all non-recycled iron. Coal is an affordable, easy
to transport, store and use, plus free of geopolitical tensions. As per international energy
agency, coal is expected to do better in 2017, despite a growing renewable sector, a surging
clean energy demand. Global export has generally decreased while demand has decreased
from previous years unlike that coal is one of the most hated commodities from a consumer
perspective, as it is much dirtier than gas and obviously renewable. Global coal demand
and world energy outlook (WEO) can be seen in the following graph. So, the situation
indicates investing in coal for energy can boost economy of developing countries and their
citizens. Ethiopia has untapped coal resources but it has made its energy dependency
8|Page
mostly on biomass and waste so far. According to the data from international energy
agency, it also imports 321 metric ton clean bituminous coal from South Africa for its
domestic supply and fuel consumption. Therefore, it can be imagined that using its coal
potential will benefit the economy of the citizens and the nation at large.
Coal has a multidimensional uses worldwide; as direct application (electricity generation,
steel production, cement manufacturing and source of energy for household) and feedstock
for different chemical industries after undergoing through a gasification process. Currently
in Ethiopia cement factories used large amount coal other users are limited. Furthermore,
Coal is cheap, easy to transport, store, and use, and it is free of geopolitical tensions.
Ethiopia has untapped coal resources, but has relied on biomass and waste for energy so
far.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, it also imports 321 metric
tons of clean bituminous coal from South Africa for domestic supply and fuel
consumption. As a result, it is reasonable to expect that utilizing its coal potential will
benefit the citizens' and the nation's economies (Demeke Fentaw, 2019).

Figure 4 Ethiopia coal demand and production by scenario, 2010- 2040

The production of Coal will help the country to use its potential as a substitute for large
amount of coal imported with large foreign currency spending. Cheaper cost of production,
the possibility to create more jobs and easier transportation and as a replacement of imports
by hard earned foreign currency gives the country a comparative advantage to produce coal
at the national level.
9|Page
Coal mineral resources can contribute significantly for the economic growth and to make
Ethiopia self-reliant as it can be used for different economic functions such as:-
 Domestic fuel (source of energy for house hold);
 Reducing agent in the production of sponge iron by direct reduction methods;
 Fuel for thermal plants:
 Cement manufacture;
 Ceramic plant processing;
 Steel mills
 Textile manufacturing
 Fuel in the production of lime and bricks;
 For the production of chemical fertilizers;
 Power generation (electric power); etc.
Currently plans for economic development have seriously affected by the uncertainty of
energy supplies. Limited energy supplies and their increased prices have resulted in the
escalation in prices of other commodities creating a difficult situation for millions of
people to solve the challenges of the economic development.
It is difficult to achieve the intended societal-based economic development depending only
on the imported coal resources. In developing countries like Ethiopia, coal is the main
source of fuel in the cement industries and continues to be as a source of fuel.
The average heating value of local coal is 4500-5000 kilocalories per kilogram, whereas,
the average energy output of imported coal is around 6000 kilocalories per kilogram .If
local coal is purified it can significantly reduce the consumption of imported coal or all the
imported coal is substituted by local coal this intern creates new job opportunity for local
youths and as a substitute for large amount of coal imported with large foreign currency
spending. By considering all the above mentioned factors the general objective of this
document is to identify and compile coal potential areas in Ethiopia for further feasibility
study and coal investment promotion to attract more investors to the coal mining and
processing sector.

4. ETHIOPIAN COAL DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES

General overviews concerning Ethiopian coal deposits (geographical distribution,

geological setting, economical characteristics) are published in Jelenc (1966), Reinhardt
and Sisay (1981), Getaneh and Saxena (1984) and Wolela (1995). Other information is
10 | P a g e
given in numerous unpublished reports of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (e.g. Assefa
and Wolela, 1986; Assefa and Getahun, 1987; Bae et al., 1989; Belachew and Heeman,
1984; Kitachew and Tesfaye, 1979; Minye et al., 1985; Wolela, 1991, 1992).
Coal occurrences, mainly lignite varieties, are known to occur in many areas in Ethiopia
(Gonder, Wollega, Showa, Kefa, Welo). Among these occurrences, Yayu (Illubabur), Delbi
Moye (Kefa, Jimma zone), Chelga (Gonder, ), Nejo (Wollega), Wuchale (Welo) and Mush
Valley (Showa) are relatively extensive. The available data indicate that Yayu (Illubabur)
and Delbi Moye coal deposits (Jimma zone) are more economical than other deposits in the
country, with resources estimated at about 32 and 20 million tons, respectively. The
reserves for the Mush valley (Debre Birhan) deposit are estimated at 300,000 metric tons.
The coal seams are enclosed in sandstones and shales of either basal sediment deposited on
Precambrian schists or in sedimentary rock units within Cenozoic volcanics (Chelga: late
Miocene to Pliocene lacustrine sediments). The coal consists mainly of lignite that is of
high ash content, low fixed carbon and average moisture and volatile content. However,
there are coal with low ash contents and high calorific values in the acceptable range for
utilization in the energy sector. Coal occurrences in the southeast (Mush Valley), northwest
(Chilga), and northeast (Wuchale) are well known deposits that have been studied by the
Ethiopian Geological Survey and exploration companies.
Ethiopian coal categorized under Lignite and Sub-Bituminous coal. Major coal locations in
Ethiopia are Arjo(Huris), Arjo(Kolati) ,Chancho ,Chelga ,Chida ,Debre libanos ( Gur.R,
Gongit R.),Delbi ,Dessie, Fega Madelo ,Gonfo ,Hunda-Blesama ,Jiren , Kebre Mengist
,Lalo-Sapo ,Mendi ,Metoso ,Mojo-Anchamo ,Moye, Mugher(Alleltu) ,Mushe
Vally,Nejo,Waka ,Wuchale ,Seke-Lencha , Yayu, Tolay, Konta, Dawuro, Arjo-Dedesa,
Kamashi, Chilga, Wuchal.
The coal deposits of the country can be used as an alternative source of energy. The
exploration of coal deposits is an integral part in search of energy resources. Hence, the use
of coal will have a great contribution to the energy sector:
(i) As a sub-situation for imported coal and to save significant hard currency, and
(ii) Power/Energy generation
(iii) To relieve the pressure of using wood as fuel for small-scale industries

The production of Coal will help the country to use its potential as a substitute for large
amount of coal imported with large foreign currency spending. Cheaper cost of production,

11 | P a g e
the possibility to create more jobs and easier transportation and as a replacement of imports
by hard earned foreign currency gives the country a comparative advantage to produce coal
at the national level. It is with this background this document is prepared.

Figure 5 Location map of coal deposits in Ethiopia

12 | P a g e
General overviews concerning Ethiopian coal deposits (geographical distribution,
geological setting, economical characteristics) are published in Jelenc (1966), Reinhardt
and Sisay (1981), Getaneh and Saxena (1984) and Wolela (1995). Other information is
given in numerous unpublished reports of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (e.g. Assefa
and Wolela, 1986; Assefa and Getahun, 1987; Bae et al., 1989; Belachew and Heeman,
1984; Kitachew and Tesfaye, 1979; Minye et al., 1985; Wolela, 1991, 1992). Coal
occurrences, mainly lignite varieties, are known to occur in many areas in Ethiopia
(Gonder, Wollega, Showa, Kefa, Welo). Among these occurrences, Yayu (Illubabur), Delbi
Moye (Kefa, Jimma zone), Chelga (Gonder, 19,700,000 t), Nejo (Wollega, 3,000,000 t),
Wuchale (Welo, 2,300,000 t) and Mush Valley (Showa) are relatively extensive. The
available data indicate that Yayu (Illubabur) and Delbi Moye coal deposits (Jimma zone)
are more economical than other deposits in the country, with resources estimated at about
32 and 20 million tons, respectively. The reserves for the Mush valley (Debre Birhan)
deposit are estimated at 300,000 metrictons. The coal seams are enclosed in sandstones and
shales of either basal sediment deposited on Precambrian schists or in sedimentary rock
units within Cenozoic volcanics (Chelga: late Miocene to Pliocene lacustrine sediments).
The coal consists mainly of lignite that is of high ash content, low fixed carbon and
average moisture and volatile content. However, there are coal with low ash contents and
high calorific values in the acceptable range for utilization in the energy sector.
Additional deposits have been discovered in the western part of the country (Mbendi
Information Services, 2000). Though not to the required level, several geological
investigations had been also conducted for coal by the Geological Survey of Ethiopia and
resulted in delineating several coal deposits and economic considerations appraised the
Delbi, Moye and Yayu coal deposits to be the best whereas, Chilga and Mush valley coal
deposit as significant deposits requiring further investigation. Other coal occurrences such
as Gojeb, Chinda, Kindo, Halul and Wake in the Southern People, Nation, Nationalities,
and Wuchale in the Amhara, and Arjo, Nejo and Mendi in the Oromia National Regional
States are worth mentioning. Coal and oil shale are therefore important mineral resource
ready for investment (Ministry of Mines of Ethiopia, 2011). Coal resources appear to be
quite widespread in Ethiopia, with occurrences in at least one-half of the country's
administrative regions. With the possible exception of a recent discovery at Dilbi in the
south-west, the hitherto known deposits are of lignite category with relatively low heating
value, often as low as 1,000 to 2,000 Kcal/kg. Other basic problems with currently known
13 | P a g e
Ethiopian coal resources are the high ash content and occasionally high sulphur content.
Moreover, the deposits exist in small patches (Mengistu Teferra, 1999). According to the
study made by Changshi China based company, the Yayo Woreda alone endowed with
over 179 million tons of coal potential. Provided that it is possible to produce 100,000 tons
of coal per day, the nation can derive a lot from its coal potential for over 40 years. The
ministry of mines of mines of Ethiopia claims that there is more than 600 million tones
potential of coal in the country.

Figure 6 Coal resource of Ethiopia (adopted GIS operation by Kebede Woldie 2007)

14 | P a g e
Figure 7 Location map of coal deposits in Ethiopia
15 | P a g e
Figure 8 coal license location (Research & Development Directorate 2021)
16 | P a g e
Table 1 Ethiopian coal deposits areas
No. Locality Region

1. Chilga Amhara

2. Wuchale-Robit Mersa Amhara

3. Mush valley Amhara

4. KunzilaDelgi Amhara

5. Kamashi Benishanguel

6. Arjo- Dedesa Oromia

7. Botor tolay Oromia

8. Delbi-Moye Oromia

9. Jima Oromia

10. Nejo-Mendi Oromia

11. Geba Basin Oromia

12. Yayu- Achibo sombo Oromia

13. Yayu –Witette Oromia

14. Dawro Zone SWER

15. Gojeb-Chida SWER

16. Konta Zone SWER

17. Gojeb-Chida-wak SWER

18. Lalo-Sapo Basin SWER

19. Kindo-Halale, Morka SWER

20. Wolayita Zone SNNPR

21. Gamo Gofa Zone SNNPR

17 | P a g e
4.1. COAL OCCURRENCE IN AMHARA REGION
Coal occurrences in the southeast (Mush Valley), northwest (Chilga), and northeast
(Wuchale) are well known deposits that have been studied by the Ethiopian Geological
Survey and exploration companies.
4.1.1. Chilga Basin Coal Exploration
The basin is situated 12° 25'-12° 38' N and 37° 03'-37° 11'E latitude and longitude,
respectively. Chilga is located 52 km southwest of Gonder. The basin is found between
1900 and 2100 m above sea level. 12 boreholes were drilled in the central part of the basin.
The Inter-Trapean coal-bearing sediments were deposited in a small NNE-SSW trending
graben, within the main Tana Graben [18]. The area consists of Trap volcanic and
sedimentary rocks. The coal-bearing sediments deposited on basaltic substratum dated to
be 29-31 Ma [19] and overlain by 8 ± 1.2 Ma dated upper basalt [19, 20]. The coal-bearing
sedimentary succession consists of coals, carbonaceous shales, clay stones, and siltstones,
fine to medium-grained sandstones. The coal-bearing sediments were deposited in
lacustrine and swampy depositional environments, and reach a maximum thickness of 78
m at the depocenter of the basin [1]. The thickness of the coal seams in the Chilga Basin
ranges from 0.2 to 1.25 m. The fine-grained fluviatile sandstones were enclosed by
meandering flood-plain fines (siltstones, silty clay stones and mudstones), and shows well-
developed cyclicity with fining upward trend. The silty clay unit is highly bioturbated,
possibly indicating post depositional modification. The coal seams and carbonaceous
sediments are indicator of euxinic deep lacustrine environment. Palynological studies
confirmed the age of the coal-bearing sediments to be 27-28.5 Ma [19]. The Chilga coal
reserve is estimated to be 19, 700, 000 tones [18].
Chilga Basin is situated in the Tertiary Volcanic Terrain of northern Ethiopia. The
sedimentary strata in the basin comprise argillo-arenaceous rocks hosting coal beds.
Thickness of the coal seams ranges between 0.1 and 1.5m. The sedimentary sequence is as
thick as 90m and is classified into five units which correspond to five major depositional
settings referred to as alluvial fan, meandering fluvial, sub aerial /subaquous setting,
lacustrine paluadal and lacustrine in descending order (Getahun et al, 1997). Reserve of
19x 106 tons is calculated over an area of about 4km2. Upon analysis, the ash and fixed
carbon contents of the coals varied between 34-36% and 24.9- 42% (on as received basis),
respectively. The heating value was 3214-5176kcal/kg on as received basis, and 4129.6-
5691.17kcal/kg on moist mineral matter free basis. The majority of the coals belong to the
18 | P a g e
sub-bituminous coal rank and laterally inconsistent (Ibid). Coal reserve of the area was
estimated at 19,000,000 tons and coal seams contained within the sedimentary succession
encouraging for future coal development. The apparent lateral extent and thickness of the
coal seams of Chilga area represent a reasonable opportunity to develop an open-pit mine
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 on 70 km2 area
 Drilling of 12 boreholes
 Petrographic and chemical analyses
Exploration objective:
 To evaluate the lignite in Chilga graben for domestic use and power generation purposes
Exploration results and recommendations:
 Reserve of 20x106 tons calculated over an area of about 4 km2
 Coal rank determined to be of lignite to sub bituminous (3214-5176kcal/kg)

4.1.2. Mush Valley Basin Coal Exploration

Geographic location (9046'13''- 9047'50'' N and 39038'23''- 39040'E) Mush valley is a small
graben bounded by raised topography except the in and outlet of the Mush river.
Geological structures such as faults, joints and fractures are the prominent features of the
area. From field observation and geophysical surveys, the faults and fractures trend NE-
SW and N-S directions (Alula et al, 1993).
Mush Valley is situated 159 km northeast of Addis Ababa along Addis Ababa-Dessie road.
The area is found between 2600-2800 m above sea level. The Inter-Trappean coal-bearing
lacustrine sediments predominantly composed of sandstones, siltstones, carbonaceous
shales and coal seams. The succession in the Mush Valley lies on the Miocene-Pliocene
basaltic substratum [21]. Two coal seams are interbedded at different levels in the coal-
bearing sediments. The lower and upper coal seams attain a thickness of 1.75 m and 1.0 m,
respectively. The total reserve is estimated to be 1 million tones.
The coal of Mush Valley is found lying relatively on the upper horizon of the hosting
sediment. Two coal beds (0.5 to 1.45meter) separated by a thin marker bed of 0.35 meter
ash (silty clay) are observed on outcrop sections. The lower coal bed (1.45 meter) is thick
at the center of the exposure and decreases along the strike till it is buried within the
overlying unit. In a similar way the upper coal bed has thickness up to 0.5meters, at the
center and extended for some tens of meters and finally buried under the soil.
19 | P a g e
The proximity of the coal occurrence to the main high way to Addis Ababa, the good
heating value ranges of the 34 samples with 3293 to 5331.6kcal/kg of the coal, the apparent
lateral extent and thickness of the coal seams and the position of the coal seams with
respect to the other sediments; are good opportunities for the future development of Mush
Valley coal (Alula et.al, 1993).

Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 on 145 km2 area
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 on 9 km2 area
 Topographic surveying at a scale of 1:5,000 on 1.2 km2 area
 Trenching
 Chemical analysis
Geophysical works Exploration objective:
 To explore the early reported occurrences and evaluate the potential for future
uses such as power generation
Exploration results:
 A reserve of 0.3 x 106 tons calculated
 Coal rank identified to be lignite A to sub bituminous (3293 to 5331.6kcal/kg)
4.1.3. Wuchale - Robit and Mersa Coal and Oil shale Exploration
Geographic location of the area is (11028' - 11032' N and 39033' - 39037' E). Wuchale is 62
km from Dessie along Addis Ababa-Mekele road. The area is found between 2067 and
3560 m above sea level. The coal-bearing sedimentary succession is deposited on a basaltic
substrutum of Ashangi Trap series [22]. The fluvio-lacustrine coal bearing sediments
consists of arenaceous, argillaceous, carbonaceous shales, coal and oil shale seams. The
coal seams exposed on the southern flanks of Titito River. Two lignite seams are
interbedded within 25 m thick coal-bearing sediments. The total reserve is estimated to be
3.3 million tones [17].
Coal occurrences at Wuchale found to be of low seam thickness, laterally not uniform and
consistent, of low rank (lignite A and B), high ash and low sulfur, which may be used for
local purposes. The resource is roughly estimated to be 4x 106tons (Assefa et.al, 1987).

Work done:
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 over 40km2 area
 Sampling
20 | P a g e
  Chemical and Petrographic analyses
Exploration objective:
 To trace the lateral and horizontal continuity of Wuchale lignite occurrences and
other reported but not exactly located ones
 To generate data on their geological setting, lithological succession and deposition
environment
 To collect coal and oilshale samples for quality determination
 To evaluate the coal potential of Wuchale area
Exploration results and recommendations:
 Coal occurrences at Wuchale found to be of low seam thickness, laterally not
uniforn and consistent, of low rank (lignite A & B), high ash and low sulfur, which
may be used for local purposes
 Resource roughly estimated to be 0.4 x 106 tons

 Occurrences said to be of 2nd priority next to that of Moye and Nejo deposits

 Oilshale at Robit said to be promising but need further study

4.2. COAL OCCURRENCE IN SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA REGION

4.2.1. Tercha coal Exploration
Geographic location (280000- 305000E and 774000-797800N) the coal seams are
restricted to the north east and south east of Tercha. They are exposed randomly at certain
localities and cover small area. A 0.8m impure (dirt) coal inter-bedded with a thin lens of
carbonaceous mudstone was encountered in Bachire stream. Traced laterally, the dirt coal
grades to carbonaceous mudstone and eventually terminates and covered by thick soil.
Geometrically, the dirt coal is considered to be lenticular, much localized and not laterally
persistent. Fourteen grab samples collected from Bachire, Insole, Turure streams. They
were submitted to the GSE laboratory for quality analyses which include proximate,
specific gravity and sulfur content determinations. Analytical results are reported on as
received basis. The samples yielded average values of 43.68 % ash, 22.25 % fixed carbon,
2866 % kcal/kg calorific value and 1.6 % g/cm3 relative density. Sulfur content varies
between <0.02 % to 0.59 % (percent and average). The coals of the area fall within
Lignite B to High volatile C Bituminous rank category on the rank classification scheme of
the ASTM (GSE report 2018, Daba Bulto)

21 | P a g e
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over 1000 km2 area
 Section logging 250m
 Coal samples 14 pieces
 Rock Sample 13 pieces
 Chemical and Petrographic analyses
Exploration objective:
 Collecting coal samples for quality analysis.
 Understanding geological setting of the area.
 Determining the type, number and thickness of fossil fuels in the sedimentary
sequence and establishing their lateral continuity.
 Delineating potential target areas for detail exploration
Exploration results:
 Drilling were not conducted as result, reserve not estimated
 Lignite B to High volatile C Bituminous rank
 Economic value is improbable

4.2.2. Gojeb-Chida-Waka coal Exploration

The basin is situated 7° 10'-7°19' N and 36° 45'-36° 53' E latitude and longitude,
respectively. The basin is located 80 km south of Jimma City. The development of the
Chida Basin is related to the NNW-SSE trending fault system. The basin consists of Trap
volcanics and sedimentary rocks. Sedimentation took place on a basaltic substratum, and is
overlain by younger volcanics. The sediments are mainly composed of terrigeneous,
biogenic and volcanogenic sediments [1, 11, 12]. Sedimentation in the basin is
characterized by fluviolacustrine depositional environments [1, 11, 12]. The coarser
clastics (conglomerates, sandy conglomerate and sandstones were deposited in fluviatile
environment, whereas the fine terrigeneous clastics and biogenic deposits were deposited
in lacustrine environments. Volcanogenic beds (tuff) intebedded in the lacustrine
sediments, indicating contemporaneous volcanic activities during sedimentation. 7 m thick
a black-brown, highly fissile oil shale was encountered in the Chida Basin [1, 5, 12]. Pollen
and spores studies confirmed the age of the oil shale-bearing sediments to be Eocene-
Miocene [1]. Based on pits, trenches and stream sections, about 3-5,000,000 tons oil shale
reserve is estimated in the Chida Basin. The coal-bearing sediments and coal seams attain a
maximum thickness of 60 m and 2.5 m, respectively. The coal-bearing sediments cover

22 | P a g e
about 4 km2. 9,500,000 tons of lignite to subbituminous B coal reserve are estimated in the
Chida Basin [12].

Gojeb-Chida-Waka coal exploration and laboratory analysis, coal resource of the area has
been inferred as 9.38 million tons. Of this total, 4.5 Mt. is evaluated to be eligible for a
measured category reserve. The simple average quality result of this total coal deposit is
38.96% ash, 18.74% moisture, 39.37% volatile matter, 61.02% dmmf fixed carbon,
5342kcal/kg mmmf calorific value and 0.43% sulfur with sub bituminous C rank. Whereas
the average values for the relatively ash free coal blocks is 42.80% volatile matter, 55.88%
dmmf fixed carbon, 5835kcal/kg mmmf calorific value, 19% ash and 0.37% sulfur with
subbituminous B rank (Miniye ,1985). There is a good opportunity for ash free coal layers
in the Gojeb-Chida-Waka area.

Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over an area of 90 km
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000
 Chemical analysis
 Surveying
 Resource evaluation
 Geophysical works

Exploration objective:
 To confirm the south ward continuation of sediments mapped to the north (north of
Gojeb river around Soyema village)
 To study the quality and quantity of coal and oil shale if they exist
 To map and assess coal and oil shale potential of the area if they exist

Exploration Results and recommendation:

 Coal reserve of 9.5 x 106 tons is calculated of which 4.5 x 106 tons is calculated
to be of measured category
 Coal rank is from sub bituminous C to sub bituminous B rank
 Geophysical survey indicated the presence of sediments whose thickness is in the
order of 60 meters
 Sinking some boreholes from 50 to 100 meters depth to see what the coal seams
distribution in the sub surface looks like and geophysical well logging to check the
thickness of seams at the subsurface are recommended

23 | P a g e
4.2.3. Coal and oil shale deposits in Lalo-Sapo Basin
The basin is situated 7° 27'-7°30' N and 36° 45'-36° 50' E latitude and longitude,
respectively (Figure 1). The area consists of Trap volcanics and sedimentary rocks. The
coal and oil shalebearing sediments un-conformably lie on a basaltic substratum. The
sedimentary formation is mainly composed of sandstones, siltstones, mudstones,
carbonaceous shales, oil shale and coal seams. The alternating beds of sandstones and
siltstones deposited in fluviatile environment, whereas the coal and oil shale-bearing
sediments (coal seams, oil shale seams and carbonaceous clay stones and carbonaceous
shales) were deposited in lacustrine depositional environments [1]. The coal and oil shale
sediments are distributed in four tectonic blocks separated by NNW-SSE fault system. The
oil shale-bearing sediments are deposited on the downthrown blocks, and vary in thickness
from 40 to 60 m. The oil shale seams reach a maximum thickness of 15 m. Based on pits,
trench and deeply cut stream sections, about 15-25,000,000 tons of oil shale reserves are
estimated in the Lalo-Sapo Basin.
The coal seams reach a maximum thickness of 2 m. The sapropelic coal seams are
characterized by a brownish to black, with massive and prismatic fractures. Based on pits,
trench and deeply cut stream sections, about 7,500,000 tons of coal reserve is estimated in
the Lalo Sapo Basin.
4.3. COAL OCCURRENCE IN OROMIA REGION
Oromia has 20 administrative zones with different mineral resources, that is, Guji (Gold,
Emerald, Beryl group, Chromite, Feldspar, Quartz, Kaolin, Dolomite, Tantalum,
Aquamarine, Fluorite, Graphite and etc.) Borena (Gold, Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst,
Apatite and etc) Western Oromia (Phosphate, iron, Gold, Gemstones, Platinum, Granite,
Marble Coal and etc) East Shoa (Gypsum, Diatomite, Geothermal resource, pumice, kaolin
and etc) West/Noth show (Limestone, Gypsum, Sandstone, Clay, Gold, Mineral
water),West Hararghe (Limestone, copper, coal, granite, Dolomite etc) East Haraghe
(Mineral water, Dolomite, Marble, Silica, Calcite, Gemstones etc), Special zone of oromia
around Finfinne (Basalt, ignimbrite, scoria, Selected material, Mineral water and etc). Coal
occurrences in the northwest (Mandi, Nejo, Arjo), southeast (Jimma and yayu), and
northeast (Hunda, Meiso) are well known deposits that have been studied by the Ethiopian
Geological Survey and mining companies.

24 | P a g e
4.3.1. Geba Basin (Yayu) Coal Exploration
Geographic location is (8015' - 8030' N and 35042'47'' - 36010'E). Yayu is 564 km from
Addis Ababa along Jimma-BedleGambella road or 500 km along Nekemte-Bedle-
Gambella road. The basin is found between 1300 and 1700 m above sea level. A total of
100 boreholes were drilled in the Yayu Basin.
The basin consists of Precambrian basement rocks, lower basalt, sedimentary rocks, upper
basalt and quaternary sediments [8-10]. The sedimentary formation in the basin was
deposited unconformably either on the Precambrian basement rocks or on the lower basalt.
The sediments consist of terrigenous sediments (gravelly sandstone, sandstone, siltstone
and mudstone), organogenic sediments (carbonaceous shale, oil shale and coal seams), and
volcanogenic sediments. The sedimentation in the basin is characterized by fluviatile and
lacustrine depositional environments [10]. Sedimentation in the Yayu Basin commenced
with the deposition of the lower sandstone facies in fluviatile depositional environments.
Tectonic activities possibly created the development of tectonic lakes. The extensive
distribution of the lower oil shale facies indicated the extensive lake development in the
basin. The lacustrine depositional environment terminated, possibly by siltation, and a
meandering fluviatile environment conditions restored in the basin. The flood plains
became good sites for the development of lakes and swamp area, which were favourable
conditions for the deposition of coal seams. After meandering sedimentation the lacustrine
environment once more was established in the basin for the sedimentation of the upper oil
shale facies. The lacustrine depositional environment ceased by siltation, and fluviatile
condition restored once more in the basin for the sedimentation of upper sandstone facies.
Palynological studies confirmed the age of these sediments to be Oligocene-Miocene.
Ten humic coal seams are interbedded in the middle sedimentary succession, and laterally
traceable throughout the basin. The coal seams attain a maximum thickness of 4 m. The
middle sedimentary succession contains the main coal seams. The coal seams are
encountered in most drilled boreholes. The coal-bearing sediments are deposited during
stable tectonic, in the fluvio-lacustrine and paludal depositional environments. A total of
200,000,000 tons of coal deposits estimated in the Yayu Basin (Wolela Ahmed,2007 ).
Coal and Oil shale exploration at a regional scale has been carried out around Yayu. The
major rock units include Precambrian basement rocks (mainly gneisses), and younger
Tertiary volcanics intercalating with 150 meters of fluvio- - lacustrine sediments. This
inter-volcanic sedimentary sequence contains a substantial amount of coal and oil shale
25 | P a g e
deposits in association with sandstone, mudstone and tuff at the outcrop scale. The coal and
oil shale seams are measured to have maximum thickness of 4 and 25 meters respectively.
From the chemical analysis reported on as received basis, the ash content of the coal
samples ranges from 3.3 1% to 59.3% and the calorific value, from 1173Kcal/kg to
9l00kcal/kg, with most of the sample having values greater than 2500kcal/kg 250 x 106
tons of coal is estimated at A and B reserve categories in 41km2 area (Gebreyohannes,
2001).
 178,576,000 tons is estimated as intrinsic economic resource for Wittete Minefield
 Coal rank determined to be lignite to sub bituminous and medium to high volatile
coal showing the following analysis (Gebreyohannes, 2001)
Maximum value Minimum value

Moisture%, 27 0.1

Volatile matter%, 42 19

Fixed carbon%, 45.9 17.3

Calorific value kcal/kg 5985 1894

Ash% 45.7 5.5

Table 5 Coal Rank of Wittete and Yayu blocks

The coal - bearing sedimentary basin in the Wittete Block is believed to
be much greater than what is known today. It is believed that Southern part of the basin in
Wittete block continues several tens of km southwards and therefore there is a good
opportunity to develop the coal resorce of the Geba basin.
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over 1300 km2 area
 Drilling
 Chemical analyses
 Geophysical logging
 Engineering geological logging
Exploration objective:
 To explore and evaluate the resource for fertilizer production and power generation
purposes

26 | P a g e
Exploration results:
 250 x 106 tons of coal estimated at A & B reserve categories in 41 km2 area.
 Coal rank determined to be lignite to sub bituminous and medium to high volatile
coal
4.3.2. Sola Area Coal Exploration
Geographic location (70 23'15''- 7025'22'' N & 36045'- 36049'20'') The sediments
encountered in Sola area is found to be the northwestern continuation of Delbi deposit. The
Oil shale is thin with patchy outcrop nature and variable tar yield. Trenching and pitting
recommended at the eastern part to see if there is covered oil shale (Alula et al., 1991).
Work done:
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 over an area of 36 km 2 and chemical
analyses
Exploration objective:
 To extend exploration for coal and oil shale to adjacent areas of Delbi and Moye
which have potential amount of coal and oil shale deposits
 To assess both quality and quantity of previously reported oil shale of Sola area and
to check if it is the continuation of the deposit at Delbi.
Exploration results and recommendations:
 The sediments encountered in the area are found to be the north western
continuation of Delbi deposit
 The Oil shale is thin with patchy outcrop nature and variable tar yield
 No outcrop of coal identified
 Uneconomical diatomaceous shale and oil shale identified
 Trenching and piting recommended at the eastern part to see if there is covered oil
shale
4.3.3. Seka Area Coal Exploration
Geographic location (7026'02'' - 7038'30'' N & 36037'- 36045' E) Oil shale in the area seems
prospective, but needs further study. Reconnaissance survey is recommended around
Deneba and Bonga to verify the reported occurrences of oil shale (Gossa et.al, 1993)
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over an area of 330 km2.

Exploration objective:
 To check the extension of Delbi-Moye sedimentary basin and associated coal and oil
shale occurrences to the west
27 | P a g e
Exploration results and recommendations:
 No coal seam traced in the area

 Oil shale in the area seems prospective, but needs further study

 Reconnaissance survey around Deneba and Bonga to verify the reported

occurrences of oil shale and additional geological exploration to the north and west
of Seka area to check the existence of the sediment which hosts the coal and oil
shale recommended
4.3.4. Delbi-Moye Basin Coal and Oil shale Exploration
The Dilbi-Moye basin coal mining site is situated in Deddo District, Jimma Zone of
Oromia National Regional State; southwestern Ethiopia. The basin is found between 2060
and 2240 meters above sea level. A total of 25 boreholes were drilled in the Delbi-Moye
Basin.
The coal site (Dilbi-Moye basin) is located within the tertiary volcanic province of the
south western Ethiopian plateau (Jimma sheet: NB 37-1, Methoso subsheet). Delbi is 390
km west of Addis Ababa, and is located 50km. due south of Jimma, along the Jimma-Chida
road, in the oromia region. Moye, which is 10km. west of Dilbi, can be reached by a very
rough dry weather road using four-wheel drive vehicles.
From different literature review Coal deposit in the Delbi-Moye Basin, the coal seams and
coal-bearing sediments reach a maximum thickness 2.2 m and 278 m, respectively. The
coal seams are characterized by brownish to black, compacted to earthy appearance with
conchoidal, massive and prismatic fractures. The coal seams in the Moye area are
dominated by humic coal (vitrain, clarian and rarely fusian lithotypes), whereas the Delbi
coal is dominated by sapropelic coal (boghead and rarely cannel lithotypes). Subsurface
drilling data allow estimating the presence of about 60,000,000 tons of coal deposits in the
Delbi-Moye Basin.
Geographic location (7015' - 7030' N and 36045'37000' E) The Dilbi-Moye Basin is situated
in the Tertiary volcanic terrain of southwestern Ethiopia (Fig 5, 6 and 17). It is a small rift
basin preserving thick sedimentary rocks of Eocene to Miocene age. The basin was
initiated in response to an extensional tectonic phase closely related to the Ashangie Rift
formation, following the Ashangie volcanic stage, during Early Tertiary. Much of the area
is covered by the Ashangie Group volcanics. Within the thick volcanic suite, coal and oil
shale bearing strata are enclosed. Early depositional episodes are presumed to have been
basin. With the wide-spread paleo-lake development during Early to Late Tertiary, thick
28 | P a g e
fluvio - lacustrine strata were depo confined to tilted tectonic blocks at the western rim of
the sited. Marginal areas at about Moye were ideal sites for humic coal bearing clastics
accumulations, and the open lake area at Delbi was for coal and oil shale deposition. The
fluvio-lacustrine succession at Delbi comprises the lower mudstone, the lower oil shale, the
oil shale and the coal bearing clastic units. The whole sequences appear to thin out and
upper mudstone, the upper rapidly merge/grade to the west into the coal bearing coarser
clastics at Moye. Four facies states referred to as the alluvial fan, fluvial, marginal and
open lacustrine were established. The first two are fairly well developed at Moye (Getahun
et al, 1993).
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over 300 km2 area
 Detail geological mapping and surveying at a scale of 1:10,000 over 25 km2 area
 Pitting/trenching
 Sampling
 Chemical and Petrographic analyses
 Drilling
Exploration objective:
 To search for an alternative energy source for large and small scale industries
Exploration results:
 Coal reserve of 14 x 106 tons at Delbi and 27 x 106 tons at Moye calculated at C1 &
C2 categories
 Coal rank determined to be lignite to bituminous

4.3.5. Soyoma - Yeba Area Coal Exploration

Geographic location (7014' - 70 28' N and 360 45' - 360 55' E) Meteso-Dilbi and Soyoma-
Yeba areas might belong to the same basin separated by volcanic activities or could be
separate basins laying adjacent to each other. In Soyoma and Yeba areas, the sedimentary
exposure covers 6km2 and 5.5 km2 respectively (Assefa et al, 1987)
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over an area of 258 km2 and
Chemical analyses
Objective:
 To have a better understanding on the reported lignite occurrences at Soyoma -
Yeba area

29 | P a g e
  To look for other occurrences in the vicinity

 To delineate the depositional basin

Exploration results and recommendations:

 Meteso-Dilbi, Soyoma and Yeba might belong to the same basin separated by
volcanic activities or could be separate basins laying adjacent to each other.
 In Soyoma and Yeba areas, the sedimentary exposure covers 6 km2 and 5.5 km2
respectively.
 Extensive regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 especially to the
northern and northwestern Yeba to have a better view of the basin's extent and
drilling at Yeba at the limit of 3.5 km2 and 500 m by 1000 m interval is
recommended.
4.3.6. Debre Libanos Area Coal Exploration
Geographic location (9042' - 9045'N and 38047' - 38052'E) only one occurrence at Agat
river, 300meter north of Tekle-Haimanot church encountered. Based on the previous
reports and information from local people, lacustrine sediments could exist in the area. So
Reconnaissance survey is recommended in the area (Bisrat et al, 1984).
Work done:
 Prospection

Exploration Objective:
 To check the validity of the information about the coal occurrences at Debre
Libanos and Fitche areas by Murdoc (1944), Jelenc (1966) and Tesfaye B. (1977)

Exploration result and recommendation:

 Only one occurrence at Agat River (300 meters north of Tekle Haimanot church)
encountered. Based on the previous reports and information from local people,
lacustrine sediments could exist in the area. So reconnaissance survey is
recommended in the area.
4.3.7. Mugher Area Coal Exploration
Geographic location (9025' - 9035'N and 38030' - 38039'E) the reported occurrences found
to be up stream of Bona Feta river, a tributary of Bole river. Sub bituminous coal of 20cm
and 60 cm thick lignite seams is observed with limited lateral and vertical extensions
(Alemayehu et.al, 1985).
Work done:
 Reconnaissance survey
30 | P a g e
Exploration Objective:
 To examine the reported occurrences in the area and to propose detail exploration if
necessary

Exploration results and recommendations:

 The reported occurrences found to be up stream of Bona Feta river, a tributary of
Bole river
 Sub bituminous coal of 20 and 60 cm thick lignite seams observed with limited
lateral and vertical extensions observed
 No further investigation recommended

4.3.8. Jiren Coal Exploration

Geographic location (7037'30'' - 7045' N and 36054' - 36057'30'' E) Aerial extension of the
coal seams is very small. Quality of the coal very low (high ash content) due to abundant
interbedded clay layers and small seam thickness. High overburden to lignite seam ratio
ash content and Calorific value, samples of (1984) 30.7 % 3347Kcal/kg, respectively
Surface area: about 0.1km2 (Bisrat et al, 1985)
Work done:
 Detail mapping at a scale of 1:25,000
 Chemical analyses
 Drilling of 4 bore holes
 Pitting
Exploration Objective:
 Detailed investigation of previously reported Jiren lignite occurrences
 Delineation of the depositional basin
 Data collection on the quality and potential of the lignite of the area
Exploration results:
 Aerial extension of the coal seams very small. (3 of the bore holes were barren).
 Quality of the coal very low (high ash content) due to abundant interbeded clay
layers and small seam thickness.
 High overburden to lignite seam ratio
 Further work not recommended.
4.3.9. Mendi Area Coal Exploration
Geographic location (9040' N and 35000' E) it covered by enormous pile of Tertiary lava,
there is a possibility to find quite extensive sedimentary basin. Carbonaceous sediments

31 | P a g e
and coal seams were found between the basement and Tertiary lavas. Search in adjacent
areas may come up with lignite of a better quality and thickness (Getahun et al, 1988)
Work done:
 Regional geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000
 Chemical analysis
Section logging Exploration objective:
 To assess the nature of the occurrences with regard to the regional geological
setting of the area
 To trace the lateral extent of the reported coal seams and look for other
genetically related occurrences
 To delineate the depositional basin
 To produce 1:50,000 scale geological map of the area
Exploration results and recommendations:
 Although a good part of it covered by enormous pile of tertiary lava, the
possibility to find quite extensive sedimentary basin suggested
 Carbonaceous sediments and coal seams were found between the basement and
tertiary lavas
 Search in adjacent areas may come up with lignite of a better quality and
thickness is suggested
4.3.10. Nejo Coal Exploration
The basin is situated 9° 29'-9° 31' N and 35° 20'-35° 29' E latitude and longitude,
respectively (Figure 1). Nejo is located 190 km west of the town of Nekemte. The basin is
found between 1700 and 1950 m above sea level. The area consists of Precambrian
basement rocks, Tertiary sediments and Tertiary volcanics [15, 16]. The coal-bearing
sediments were deposited unconformably on Precambrian basement rocks and capped by
Trap volcanics. The NW-SE trending fault systems divided the basin into eastern and
western blocks. The coal-bearing sediments and coal beds attain a maximum thickness of
15 m and 1.75 m, respectively [15, 16]. The coal-bearing sediments were deposited in
lacustrine environments. The depocenter of the lake were dominated by organogenic
sediments (coal seams, carbonaceous sediments and carbonaceous shales), whereas the
marginal areas of the lake were dominated by fine-grained clastic sediments, indicating
fluviatile sedimentation fed by rivers into the lake [1]. Palynological studies revealed the

32 | P a g e
Nejo coal-bearing sediments to Middle Eocene to Oligocene in age [15]. The total reserves
coal in the Nejo area is estimated to be 3 million tones [17].
Coal seams up to 1.7m thick is known to occur in an area of up to 48sq.km and the possible
resource of 2.9million.The apparent lateral extent and thickness of the coal seams represent
a reasonable opportunity to develop an open-pit mine.
Work done:
 Detail geological mapping at a scale of 1:10,000 over an area of 148 km2
 Chemical analyses
 Section logging
 Trenching and pitting
Exploration objective:
 To confirm the previously reported occurrences of lignite if they have any
industrial or domestic value
Exploration result:
 Occurrences found to be of very limited extension, low thickness, low
quality and huge pile of volcanic cover
4.3.11. Arjo (Getema) Area
Geographic location (80 51' - 8057' N and 36025' - 36038'E) the Lignite seams are associated
with the Mesozoic sediments. Average ash content 23.75 %, Calorific value 4,545 kcal/kg.
The area under study covers 2.2 km2 (Wolela, 1986).
Work done
 Geological mapping at a scale of 1:50,000 over an area of 240 km2
 Chemical analysis
 Section logging
Exploration objective
 To explore the lignite occurrences in the area
Exploration result
 Lignite seams associated with the Mesozoic sediments
 Due to low quality, small thickness and abundant interbedded clay layers the
occurrences of this area found to be uneconomical
4.4. COAL OCCURRENCE IN SNNPR REGION
Coal occurrence in the west part (Sodo), were studied by the Geological Survey of
Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University, and mining companies. New prospect sites have been

33 | P a g e
reported in the Gamo, Wolyita Hadiya, and Kembata zones, and samples have been
collected from the sites by local people and administration bodies.
4.4.1. Halale and Bosa-Borta area coal exploration
Geographic location (NC 37 - 5 Wolaita Sodo - Sidamo) according to (Heeman et al,
1984), eleven channel samples of carbonaceous shale were collected from eight outcrops of
Halale-Basa-Borta area, and analyzed at the central laboratory of the Geological Survey of
Ethiopia. Accordingly, the average ash content of the samples was determined to be 65.5%.
The carbonaceous shale is encountered over a small tectonic blocks covering an area of 0.4
to 1.5 km2. Halale is found near Wolayita Sodo.
The presence of coal is indicated in the area. Therefore, there is an opportunity to search
for sizable and quality coal and carbonaceous shale in Halale area.
Work done:
 Reconnaissance survey
 Chemical analyses

Exploration objective:
 To check the geology and mode of occurrence of the reported coal occurrences
of these areas and verify if they are the continuation of the occurrences around
Jimma.
 To determine the type of coal
 To check the reported carbonaceous shale if it is an oil shale
Exploration result and recommendation:
 Depositional environment of the occurrences at Halale-Bosq-Borta and Jimma
area found to be different and the Halale and Bosa-Borta occurrences were not
the continuations of Jimma area occurrences.
 Seams being very thin and low quality, do not encourage further work

4.5. COAL OCCURRENCE IN BENISHANGUL GUMUZ REGION

Coal occurrences in the Kamashi zone are reported by local peoples and exploration and
mining were undertaken by different companies. From coal consumption and processing
assessment of former chemical and construction industry development institute (CCIIDI)
complied field data and companies report the following mining companies’ coal resource
potential is identified.
Work done
 Reconnaissance survey
34 | P a g e
  Chemical analyses

Fieldwork objective
 To determine the type of coal
 To ass need assessment for cement factories

The coal resource the discovery of coal in the region dates back only three years. There is
no systematic geological exploration is not conducted coal occurrence is reported in
various places of the region (Technical Report CCIIDI, 2022)
Kamashi zone /Kamashi, Yaso and BelloJiganifado woredas.
Asosa Zone /Bambasi, Tongo, Homosha (before two weeks, about 18km from
Asosa town, 4936 calorific value) , Menge woreda
Metekel Zone /Wonbera, Guba, Gallesa, Guba, Dangur and Debate woredas,
4.5.1. Kamashi Woreda sites
Jeloland Coal Industry mining plc is mining coal in this site. Coal mining site is found at
about 3km from Kamashi town, Geographic location (1055453-1055524 N and 815596-
815624 E and 1053510N, 0820461E) with dry weather gravel road. An open pit quarry
mine stated on Feb /2018, is going on and it has a width of about 30m and length of about
700m, the average depth of the pit is about 9m.
4.5.2. Sogge Woreda sites
This site found about 23km north of Gudutu-Arjo town along Nekemte -Gimbi asphalt
road, Tenkara Kebele. It is accessed by dry weather road; some part is under construction
by mine licenses owners and needs about 3 small bridge structure. Currently some places
are only accessed by motorcycles and on foot trails during the rainy season. Due to the road
problem no coal is transported to the users in the rainy season.
4.5.3. Meseret Mine site
The quarry at this mine has about 50m length 35m width, and an average depth of about
7m. As the observation at 0190263N, 1015537E and 1341 meter above sea level (masl).
The overburden on the coal seam has a thickness of about 1.5m of dark brown clay soil.
The exposed coal seam has an average thickness of >5.0m and it is continuous down ward
the underlying lithology is not exposed yet. The coal is intercalated with mud stone, silty
clay and silicified chert materials.

35 | P a g e
4.5.4. Garri Mine site
At this site a mine quarry with a length of about 200m and width of about 30m is observed.
The mine depth is estimated an average of about 10m, starting from higher elevation area.
The coal seam observed has an average thickness of about 4m and lateral continuity of
about 180m; it is over laid by overburden of about 5.5m material of reddish-brown clay
soil and light gray sandstone. The seam is under laid by grayish colored mudstone.
Exploration result and recommendation
 Depositional environment of the occurrences at different woredas were reported
as prospect for coal resource
 Further prospective studies will recommend to Geological Institute of Ethiopia.

5. OTHER NEW PROSPECT AREA

The newly identified areas were reported by local people and administration bodies, and
sample analysis was conducted by exploration companies, Ariba-Minch university samples
were send to other laboratories.
Table 2 new cola prospect areas
No. Wereda Zone

1. Kucha Gamo

2. Boreda >>

3. Alifa >>

4. Kirdo Didayo Wolayta

5. Afa >>

6. Soro and Gonbora Hadiya

7. Tembaro Kembata

36 | P a g e
6. CONCLUSION
The Ethiopian coal and oil shale deposits occur between two volcanic flows. The coal and
oil shale-bearing sedimentary basins in Ethiopia are one of the striking examples of an
Inter Trappean continental sedimentation. There are strong evidences that the NNW-SSE
fault system provided the tectonic configuration for the development of grabens and half-
grabens for deposition of coal and oil shale-bearing sediments.

The coal measures of Ethiopia belong to tertiary and minor amounts of mesozoic age.
Various geochemical studies were carried out to determine the physico-chemical
characteristics of the Ethiopian coal deposits. Genetically, the coal seams are grouped
under humic, sapropelic and mixed coal. The humic coal is dominated by vitrian and
clarian lithotype, whilst the sapropelic coal is dominated by boghead with minor amounts
of cannel lithotype.

Proximate and calorific value analysis results revealed that the Ethiopian coal deposits
range from lignite-bituminous coal. However, the coal seams near the acidic volcanic
intrusions metamorphosed to semi-anthracite stage due to high geothermal gradient. The
moisture content ranges from 2.7-21.4 %, volatile matter 3.0-46.3 %, ash content 2.4-65 %
and calorific value 900-6900 cal/g. Sub-bituminous to high volatile bituminous B coking
coal found in the DelbiMoye Basin. Recent investigation works confirmed the Inter-
Trappean coal deposits of DelbiMoye, Chilga and Yayu Basins are more economical. Test
drilling works and detail geological mapping are necessary for that of Mush Valley. The
thickness of the coal seams is in the range 1-1.75 m and vicinity of the deposit from the
industrial city of Addis Ababa make the Mush Valley coal more attractive. Exploitation of
Wuchale and Nejo coals are also economical for local purposes.

We conclude that Ethiopia has a large amount of coal resource potential areas that have
been identified by various detailed and reconnaissance exploration studies. After 1965,
intensive field research and studies were conducted with the goal of identifying and
chemically analyzing coal exploration for use as a substitute energy source for industries.
Significant coal areas were identified from the studies based on coal quality, thickness of
the coal seam and overburden, distance from Addis Ababa, and industries.

37 | P a g e
Recent coal exploration studies conducted in Jimma in 2018 and Tercha in 2020 were less
detailed than previous studies, which did not include trench, pit, drilling, or geophysical
studies, and thus reserve estimates were not available.

7. RECOMMENDATION
 Due attention on detail studies of resource area by GIE and develop capacity of
young researches at least to maintain content of earlier studies.

 Conduct further studies detail geological mapping, Geophysical, drilling, and

geochemical analysis on early prospecting studies.

 Develop per-feasibility studies:

 Conduct Proper resource Evaluation /Exploration

 Detail geological mapping
 Geophysics
 Drilling
 Geo-chemistry analysis
 Reserve estimation
 Delbi, Chilga, Moye, Mush Valley and Tercha coal areas are promising on its
reserve amount, quality and distance of occurrence from industries and Addis Ababa.
Especially Chilga and Mush Valley are not currently active; we recommend pre-
feasibility study for investment promotion.

 To attract more investors investment promotion work has to be done.

38 | P a g e
REFERENCE

1. Wolela, A. Coal and oil shale occurrences and their geological setting in Ethiopia, Report,
Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1991; 205p.

2. Wolela, A. SINET: Ethiop. J. Sci. 2004, 27, 45.

3. Bae, G.Y.; Minye, B.; Getahun, B.; Wolela, A.; Asmamaw, T. Report on geology and
subsurface exploration for coal and oil shale occurrence of Delbi and surrounding areas, Kaffa
Administrative Region, Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1989; 80p.

4. Getahun, B.; Yirga, T.; Minye, B. Detail geological mapping, subsurface exploration,
geochemical studies and reserve evaluation of coal and oil shale resources at Delbi-Moye
Basin, Technical Report, Ehiopian Institute of Geological Surveys: Addis Ababa; 1993; 119p.

5. Kibre, T.; Gashaw Beza, M. Preliminary geological report of Geba Basin (Yayu area),
Western Ethiopia, Ethiopian Institute of Geological Surveys: Addis Ababa; 1997. 9. Kibre, T.
M.Sc. Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, 2000.

6. Wolela, A.; Alula, H.G.; Belay, W. Sedimentology, depositional environments and

hydrocarbon potential of the Yayu Basin, Report, Petroleum Operations Department, Ministry
of Mines: Addis Ababa; 2002; 45p.

7. Heeman, W.; Minye, B.; Wolela, A. Occurences of coal and carbonaceous shale in Keffa
near Chida and Waka, Report, Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1985.

8. Yirga, T.; Zewdeneh, T. Subsurface geological report on coal and oil shale deposit of the
Gojeb-Chida area, Report, Ethiopian Geological Surveys, Ministry of Mines and Energy:
Addis Ababa; 1995; 31p.

9. Assefa, A.; Minye, B.; Wolela, A.; Getahun B.; Asmamaw, T. Geological report on coal
occurrences of Meteso-Soyoma areas, Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1987;
40p.

10. Geological survey of Ethiopia mineral exploration and evaluation directorate Tercha coal
exploration project 2018 Daba Bulto, Getnet Gezahegn, Muhaba Jemala and Belay Wold

39 | P a g e
11. Alula, H.G.; Gasaw Beza, M.; Kibre, T.; Tessfaye, D. The geology of Sola area, Report,
Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1992; 20p.

12. Reinhardt, P.; Sisay, D. Evaluation of lignite occurrences in Ethiopia, Report, Ministry of
Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1981.

13. Heeman, W.; Minye, B. Report on lignite prospection west of Nejo, Ministry of Mines
and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1986.

14. Getaneh, A.; Saxena, G.N. Energy Exploration and Exploitation, 1984, 3, 36. 18.
Belachew, T.; Heeman, W. Report on the lignite of Chilga area, Report, Ministry of Mines
and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1984.

15. Mulugeta, F. Ph.D. Thesis, The University of Texas at Austin, USA, 2002.

16. Assefa, A.; Getahun, B. Preliminary geological report on coal occurrences of Wuchale and
Dessie areas, Ministry of Mines and Energy: Addis Ababa; 1987; 18p.

40 | P a g e
APPENDIX

41 | P a g e
42 | P a g e
43 | P a g e
44 | P a g e
45 | P a g e
46 | P a g e