An Overview of the Legal Regime Governing Minerals in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
The contribution of the mining sector to the Ethiopian economy has been dismal. This
situation is being reversed with the mining sector’s contribution to the Ethiopian
economy growing significantly in recent years reflecting the sector’s potential to spur
the economic growth of the country. Many factors including the legal reforms that
have taken place over the last two decades played major roles for the growth of the
mining sector’s contribution to the Ethiopian economy. This article addresses the
current legal framework governing minerals in Ethiopia. It examines the extent to
which the laws try to strike a balance between the rights of investors and the public
interest with a particular focus on social and environmental considerations. The overall
examination and analysis reveal that while the legal reforms have undergone
a substantial transformation to allure investors in the sector, some problems related to
the implementation of rights and obligations remain a concern. Moreover, social and
environmental considerations are also poorly addressed.