Ethiopia launches precious metals refinery at Bole Lemi
Ethiopia launched a precious metals refinery at Bole Lemi on October 10, 2026. EBC reported stated capacity above 600 tonnes annually and a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Sam Precious Metals.
In short
- Ethiopia launched a precious metals refinery at Bole Lemi on October 10, 2026.
- EBC reported stated capacity above 600 tonnes annually and a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Sam Precious Metals.
Ethiopia launched its National Precious Metals Refinery at the Bole Lemi Special Economic Zone on October 10, 2026, opening a facility intended to expand domestic processing of minerals before export.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the launch, according to Fana Media Corporation. Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation independently reported the announcement and said the refinery was established through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Sam Precious Metals.
EBC reported an annual processing capacity of more than 600 tonnes of precious metals. That figure describes the facility’s stated capacity; it does not establish how much material it is currently processing.
The project is intended to retain more of the value of mineral production within Ethiopia and support a regional refining business. Ethiopian News Agency reported on October 10 that Abiy said the facility could also attract gold from other countries. Those commercial benefits remain expectations, rather than demonstrated results from the newly launched plant.
