Ethiopian Review

Addis Ababa – The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MoME) said it has secured over 71 million birr from various services it has offered for its clients over the past nine months.

It also said the nation saved 8 million birr foreigner currency since the launching of the sale of ethanol-benzene blended fuel prepared locally.

Acting public relation head with the ministry, Bacha Fuji told journalists here on Tuesday that the stated sum was secured from consultancy, royalty, license and other services including laboratory and geo-science information.

The stated sum exceeded that of same period last year by 10 percent, he said attributing the success to dissemination of relevant information and delivery of services efficiently.

The ministry has issued license to 50 companies and investors for petroleum and other mineral exploration, development and production during the reported period, according to the head.

He said modern and traditional gold mining is expanding and some 1309-kg gold has been produced in the reported period. Over 55.2 million birr was obtained from the sector which helps more than 1,300 people get permanent jobs.

He said the ministry is also working on a bill that helps the institution develop the sector while controlling illegal engagements.

Since last November ethanol-benzene blended fuel is on sale and the nation could manage to save 8 million birr.

Ethanol is currently produced by Fincha Sugar Factory and efforts are also well underway to enable other sugar factories to produce the same product, he added.

According to him preparation is underway to establish five ethanol-benzene blending facilities around the capital.

- ENA