Article: Historical Context of Mining in Tigray: A Legacy of Opportunity and Challenges

Tigray has a long and storied history of mining, particularly in gold extraction. The region has witnessed different phases of mining activities, from traditional artisanal practices to attempts at industrial-scale mining. Despite the economic benefits mining brings, it has also led to significant environmental degradation and, more recently, an upsurge in illegal activities. Understanding the historical evolution of mining in Tigray provides crucial insights into the present challenges and future prospects of the sector.

Early Mining Activities in Tigray

Mining in Tigray dates back centuries, with artisanal miners engaging in small-scale gold extraction along riverbanks and lowlands. The local population, particularly during the agricultural off-seasons, would supplement their income through gold panning and rudimentary mining techniques. These activities were largely unregulated, but they played an important role in sustaining the livelihoods of rural communities (AllAfrica, 2024).

In modern Ethiopian history, mining policies were shaped by broader national economic and political changes. The early mining proclamations of 1944 and 1971 allowed private ownership and foreign investments, leading to increased mineral exploration across Ethiopia, including Tigray. However, these policies lacked clear frameworks for small-scale miners, leading to inefficiencies in the sector (Walrond et. al., 1991).

The 1974 revolution drastically altered Ethiopia’s economic landscape, nationalizing all mineral resources under the socialist government. The Ethiopian Mineral Resources Development Corporation (EMRDC), established in 1982, controlled exploration and production, leading to the withdrawal of private investment. This stagnated mining activities in Tigray and the rest of the country (Walrond et. al., 2009).

With economic liberalization in 1989, the Derg regime reintroduced private sector participation. New investment laws and proclamations sought to attract both local and foreign investors, providing tax exemptions and regulatory clarity. (Walrond et. al., 2009).

Pre-War Mining Expansion and Challenges

Before the outbreak of the genocidal war in November 2020, significant strides had been made toward industrializing mining in Tigray. Ezana Mining Development, a subsidiary of the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT), had begun large-scale mining operations near Shire Endaselassie. The transition from artisanal to industrial mining aimed to enhance gold extraction efficiency, create employment, and generate revenue for the region (AllAfrica, 2024).

Despite these efforts, artisanal mining remained prevalent, particularly in northwestern and central Tigray. Areas such as Tsimbla, Asgede, Adi Daero, and Seyemt Adiabo were known for traditional mining activities. These small-scale operations continued to contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s gold exports. In 2010/2011 alone, approximately half of the $500 million Ethiopia earned from gold exports came from artisanal miners (University of Nairobi, 2012). This underscored the importance of traditional mining to both the local and national economy.

However, unregulated mining brought several challenges. The use of harmful chemicals like mercury posed health risks to both miners and nearby communities. Deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution became increasingly severe issues. Toxic metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were found in water samples collected from mining areas, exceeding WHO’s permissible levels for drinking water. The impact on agriculture and livestock was also significant, as grazing land was depleted and water sources became contaminated (University of Nairobi, 2012).

The Impact of War and the Rise of Illegal Mining

The two-year genocidal war in Tigray disrupted mining operations, severely damaging infrastructure and forcing companies like Ezana to halt production. Following the Pretoria Peace Agreement, efforts were made to resume legal mining activities, but new challenges emerged.

The region witnessed a surge in unauthorized mining operations, driven by economic desperation and weak regulatory oversight. Many unemployed youths turned to mining as a source of income, operating without proper licenses. This created tensions between legal investors, local communities, and the interim administration. Reports indicated that external entities were engaging in illicit mining without federal or regional approval, complicating efforts to enforce mining regulations (AllAfrica, 2024).

The illegal mining boom exacerbated environmental degradation. Unlicensed operators supplied equipment to artisanal miners, and gold smuggling became rampant. The lack of oversight further increased pollution risks, as unsafe mining practices continued unchecked (AllAfrica, 2024).

The Need for Sustainable Mining Policies

Fiseha Meresa, director of licensing and administration at the Tigray Land and Mining Bureau, has highlighted the importance of legal oversight to mitigate environmental damage and ensure fair economic benefits from mining (AllAfrica, 2024). The interim administration has begun granting licenses to qualified investors to restore order in the sector (AllAfrica, 2024). However, stronger enforcement mechanisms are required to prevent illegal operations and implement sustainable mining practices (AllAfrica, 2024).

Experts recommend the following measures for sustainable mining in Tigray:

• Environmental Rehabilitation – Implementing reclamation programs to restore mined areas and protect water sources (University of Nairobi, 2012).

• Regulatory Enforcement – Strengthening legal oversight to prevent unauthorized mining and gold smuggling (AllAfrica, 2024).

• Community Engagement – Ensuring that local communities benefit from mining activities through employment and fair revenue distribution (AllAfrica, 2024).

• Safer Mining Practices – Encouraging miners to use environmentally friendly extraction techniques to reduce toxic waste (University of Nairobi, 2012).

Conclusion

Mining in Tigray has evolved from a small-scale traditional activity to an industrial sector with significant economic potential. However, historical challenges—including weak regulations, environmental concerns, and political instability—continue to affect the sector. While the post-war period has opened doors for legal mining companies to return, illegal operations and environmental damage remain pressing issues. Moving forward, sustainable policies and strict regulatory enforcement will be crucial in ensuring that Tigray’s mineral resources contribute to long-term economic growth without compromising environmental and social well-being.

References

Grantley W. Walrond et. al. (1991). The Ethiopian Mining Sector: Policy Changes with the Private Sector in Mind. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230000349_The_Ethiopian_mining_sector

AllAfrica. (2024). Ethiopia: Golden Ambitions - War Legacy Impedes Tigray's Gold Mining Revival. Retrieved from https://allafrica.com/stories/202404170029.html

University of Nairobi. (2012). University of Nairobi College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 8th Biennial Scientific Conference and The 46th Kenya Veterinary Association Annual Scientific Conference and The 12th World Veterinary Day Celebrations