KEFI Gold and Copper plc has secured the exploration license for the Konso Critical Metals Area in Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across the Arabian-Nubian Shield.
The license, granted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Mines to KEFI’s wholly-owned subsidiary, KEFI Minerals Ethiopia Limited (KME), reflects the company’s commitment to critical metals exploration in the region.
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“This is the first of several opportunities we plan to pursue in Ethiopia through KME,” remarked Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, KEFI’s Executive Chairman. He emphasised that the Konso license aligns with the global demand for critical metals driven by electrification and technology transitions. The 22-square-kilometre license area, located near Arba Minch, will focus on copper and tantalum, building on preliminary work by the Ethiopian Geological Survey and Vale, which identified zones of copper, nickel, cobalt, and tantalum mineralisation.
The Konso Project presents geological features akin to major critical metals deposits in East Africa, offering significant potential for discoveries. KEFI aims to deploy advanced exploration techniques, including mapping, trenching, and geophysical surveys, to further assess the area. Harry added, “We intend to cherry-pick critical metals opportunities and establish regional alliances where warranted, ensuring alignment with our long-term strategic vision.”
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This development follows KEFI’s progress at the Tulu Kapi gold project, where construction on infrastructure began earlier this year after securing a $320 million financial package. Additionally, KEFI plans to list on the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, unlocking local funding to support its expanding portfolio in Ethiopia.
These initiatives position KEFI as a leader in leveraging Ethiopia’s vast untapped resources while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
