Dangote continues expansion on African continent – applies for mining licence in Ethiopia

Aliko Dangote

The Dangote Group has applied for a silica exploration license in Ethiopia. Silica is the major raw material for glass manufacturing. The industrial group applied for the mining license to establish a glass manufacturing plant.

Dangote has also commenced work on cement manufacturing plant in Ethiopia. The cement factory, located in Mugher town, will have a production capacity of 1.5 tonnes per annum.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Mines had previously suspended accepting applications for minerals exploration licenses, however, the Ministry resumed accepting applications two weeks ago.

According to Bacha Fuji, public relations head with the Ministry, in addition to Dangote Industries, five other foreign and local companies have also applied for minerals exploration licenses.

An Indian company, Allied Chemicals PLC, applied for iron ore exploration license, a company established by Ethiopian and German investors, Rusf Gladwuneya Gold mining Plc, applied for gold exploration license, an Australian company Ore Corp Minerals Plc, Sekota Mining Plc, Ethiopian mining company and MSB Steel Plc, an Indian mining firm applied for iron ore exploration licenses.

Founded in 1981, the Dangote Group is the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, it generates revenue in excess of US$5 billion a year.