WONDIMU WOLDEMICHAEL SPECIAL SMALL SCALE INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SPECIAL

SUBMITTED TO: SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA, REGIONAL STATE, FOREST

ENVIROMENT
PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE BUREAU (FEPACCB)

 PROJECT OWNER: TARIKU BEKELE SPECIAL SMALL SCALE

GOLD MINING INDUSTRY.
 PHONE NUMBER: +251932323209
 PROJECT LOCATION: SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA,WEST OMO ZONE,MAJI WOREDA,
ADDISKAS KEBELE, KALU-KAN SPACIAL SITE
 CONSULTING FIRM: Safe Development Consultant &Training services plc

MAJI-ETHIOPIA
JULY, 2024 G.C
 WONDIMU WOLDEMICHAEL SPECIAL SMALL SCALE INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SPECIAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATION....................................................................................................................................ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS...............................................................................iii
DEFINITIONS OF OPERATIONAL TERMS.....................................................................................iv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................v
TABLE OF CONTENTS.........................................................................................................................ix
LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................................................xii
LIST OF PLATES..................................................................................................................................xii
1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................13
1.1 Background to the proposed project...........................................................................................13
1.2 Rationale for the EIA process.....................................................................................................13
1.2.1 Purpose of the EIA..............................................................................................................13
1.2.2 Objectives of the EIA..........................................................................................................14
1.2.3 Terms of Reference (TOR) and scope for the EIA.............................................................14
1.2.4 Assessment methodology and limitations...........................................................................15
2 BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AREA..................................16
2.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................16
2.1 The physical environment...........................................................................................................20
2.1.1 Topography and altitude......................................................................................................20
2.1.2 Drainage and hydrology......................................................................................................20
2.1.3 Soils and geology................................................................................................................20
2.1.4 Climate................................................................................................................................20
2.1.5 Air quality...........................................................................................................................21
2.2 Socio-economic information......................................................................................................21
2.2.1 Population............................................................................................................................21
2.2.2 Employment trends in the neighborhood............................................................................21
2.2.3 Land use patterns.................................................................................................................21
2.2.4 Physical and social infrastructure........................................................................................21
2.2.6 Business activities...............................................................................................................22
2.2.7 Agriculture...........................................................................................................................22
2.3 Ecological environment..............................................................................................................22
3 PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................23
3.1 Projects design and components.................................................................................................23
3.1.1 Mining.................................................................................................................................23
3.2 Material input in mining and processing gold............................................................................23
3.2.1 Mining of the gold ore.........................................................................................................23
3.2.2 Crushing the mined ore.......................................................................................................23
3.2.3 Sieving of dirt and impurities..............................................................................................23
3.2.4 Transporting........................................................................................................................24
3.2.5 Crushing..............................................................................................................................24
3.2.6 Milling.................................................................................................................................24
3.2.7 Gravity Circuit.....................................................................................................................24
3.2.8 Thickening...........................................................................................................................24

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3.2.9 CIL/CIP-Carbon in Pulp Leaching......................................................................................24

3.2.10 Tailings................................................................................................................................25

3.2.11 Refining...............................................................................................................................25
3.3 Description of the proposed project activities............................................................................25
3.4 Facilities, utilities, amenities and services facilitating activities at the site...............................26
3.5 Chemical Formula......................................................................................................................26
3.5.1 Gold Dressing Agent (GDA)...............................................................................................26
3.5.2 The chemical reaction.........................................................................................................26
3.5.3 Mechanism of gold dissolving in alkaline theorem............................................................27
3.5.4 Product Advantages.............................................................................................................27
3.5.5 Operating Instruction...........................................................................................................27
4 RELEVANT LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.....................................33
4.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................33
4.2 National Policy Framework........................................................................................................33
4.2.1 Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999 on Environment and Development....................................33
4.2.2 National Environmental Policy, 2012.................................................................................33
4.3 Institutional and Administrative Framework for the Management of the Environment............34
4.3.1 National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)................................................34
4.3.2 Environmental Liaison Units in Other Institutions with Environmental Management
Mandates in Ethiopia..........................................................................................................................34
4.4 County Development Plans and Laws.......................................................................................34
4.4.1 County CIDP II (2018 – 2022)..........................................................................................34
4.5 National Laws, Regulations, Codes and Policies with Environmental Relevance.....................35
4.5.1 The Constitution of Ethiopia, 2010.....................................................................................35
4.5.2 Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 (Cap. 387), amended 2015......35
4.5.3 Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006 36
4.5.4 Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration, and
Pollution Control) Regulations, 2008................................................................................................36
4.5.5 Mining Act, 2016................................................................................................................37
4.5.6 Work Injury Compensation Benefit Act (WIBA), 2007.....................................................38
4.5.7 Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 2007..........................................................38
4.5.8 Public Health Act, 1986 (Cap. 242) Revised 2012.............................................................38
4.5.9 County Governments Act, 2012..........................................................................................39
4.5.10 Mining Act 2016 No 12 of 2016.........................................................................................40
4.5.11 Financial Provisions under the Mining Act 2016...............................................................40
4.5.12 Restoration of Derelict Land after mining Under the Mining Act 2016.............................40
4.5.13 Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019........................................................................41
4.5.14 Traffic Act (Cap. 403).........................................................................................................41
4.5.15 Penal Code (Cap. 63)..........................................................................................................41
4.6 International framework.............................................................................................................41
4.6.1 World Commission on Environment and Development (1987).........................................41
4.6.2 IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, 2012................42
4.6.3 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992)...............................................42
5 ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED PROJECT ALTERNATIVES......................................................43

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5.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................43
5.2 Conclusion..................................................................................................................................46
6 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES...............47
6.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................47
6.2 Potential adverse impacts during the establishment phase.........................................................47
6.2.1 Impacts on vegetation, water and soil.................................................................................47
6.2.2 Extraction and/or usage of materials...................................................................................48
6.2.3 Safety at the construction sites............................................................................................48
6.3 Impacts cutting across phases.....................................................................................................49
6.3.1 Air pollution from associated chemical reaction.................................................................49
6.3.2 Air pollution (vapours, exhaust emissions and dust)..........................................................49
6.3.3 Noise and vibrations............................................................................................................50
6.3.4 Storm water flow.................................................................................................................51
6.3.5 Fire......................................................................................................................................51
6.3.6 Waste water and sanitary facilities......................................................................................52
6.3.7 Solid wastes.........................................................................................................................52
6.3.8 Increased traffic flow..........................................................................................................53
6.3.9 Water usage.........................................................................................................................54
6.3.10 Use of energy (electricity and fuel).....................................................................................54
6.4 Impacts related to occupational and public health and safety....................................................55
6.4.1 Assessment..........................................................................................................................55
6.4.2 Mitigation............................................................................................................................55
6.5 The decommissioning plan.........................................................................................................56
6.6 Potential positive impacts...........................................................................................................57
7 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION...........................................................................................................58
7.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................58
7.2 Findings......................................................................................................................................58
8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING..................................................60
8.1 Environmental management.......................................................................................................60
8.2 Environmental monitoring and audits and record keeping.........................................................60
9 RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION...........................................................................67
9.1 Recommendations.......................................................................................................................67
9.2 Conclusion..................................................................................................................................67
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................68
APPENDICES.........................................................................................................................................69

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LIST OF TABLES
Table I: Summary of potential negative environmental impacts...............................................................vi
Table 1.1: Summary of the proposed project............................................................................................13
Table 5.1: Proposed alternatives for the proposed project........................................................................44
Table 8.1: Proposed EMP for the proposed project..................................................................................61
Table 8.2: Proposed EMP for the decommissioning phase.......................................................................65

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 2.1: Fallow land and residential houses to the West of the proposed..............................................18
Plate 2.2: Access road to the proposed site...............................................................................................18
Plate 2.3: Proposed mines in the background and an electricity step down transformer at the proposed site
...........................................................................................................................................................19
Plate 2.4: Access road and The Addis-kas kebele Escarpment in the background...................................19
Plate 7.1: Village elder addressing the community during public consultation forum.............................59
Plate 7.2: Community members during the public consultation forum....................................................59

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ABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS

AMD Acid Mine Drainage

ARD Acid Rock Drainage
As Arsenal
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand Carbon
CO monoxide
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand Cadmium
Cd CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CBO Community Based Organization
CRGE Climate Resilient Green Economy
DO Dissolved Oxygen
DRM Disaster Risk Management Environmental
ECA Competent agencies Environmental Policy of
EPE Ethiopia Environmental Social Impact
ESIA Assessment
EFCCC Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission
EBSAP Ethiopia Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
ESMP Environmental Social Management Plan
FDE Fugitive Dust Emissions Green
GHG House Gas
IESA Initial Environmental Social Assessment
IFC International Finance Cooperation
IAPs International Association People and Environment
ICMM International Council of Mining and Metal Mercury
Hg Mercury
MoMP Ministry of Mine and Petroleum
NOx Nitrogen oxides
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
pH Potential Hydrogen-ions Potentially
PAG Acid Generating Personal Protective
PPE Equipment Particulate matter
PM Parts per million
Pb Lead
RAP Resettlement Action Plan Sulfur
SO2 dioxide
TOR Term of Reference
TSS Total Suspended Solids
VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds

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GLOSSARY/TERMS USED IN THE STUDY

Audit A possible course of action that might be adopted in lieu of the proposal or activity or in
terms of site, design, input, process, including the "no action" alternative.
The process through which how well compliance with policy objectives and regulatory
Requirements are met and the fidelity of the implementation of conditions attached to an
approved environmental impact assessment report is examined.
Adaptation Adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment. Adaptation
to climate change refers to adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual
or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial
opportunities. Various types of adaptation can be distinguished, including anticipatory
and reactive adaptation, private and public adaptation, and
Autonomous and planned adaptation.
Adaptation The avoided damage costs or the accrued benefits following the adoption and
benefits Implementation of adaptation measures.
Artisanal A mining operation carried out by individuals or small and micro-enterprises which is
mining mostly of manual nature and does not involve the engagement of
employed workers
Baseline A description of existing environmental, social and economic conditions at and
Information surrounding project area.
Cause-effect The connection between an action’s disturbance (cause) and its effect on the
Relationship Environment.
Climate Fluctuations in climate over a shorter term - the departures from long-term averages or
variability Trends, over seasons or a few years, such as those caused by the El Niño Southern
Oscillation phenomenon.
Combined Effects The effects caused by various components of the same action.
Climate change A change of climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the
composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate
Variability observed over comparable time periods.
Climate scenario A projection of future climatic conditions.
Competent Any federal or regional government organ entrusted by law with a responsibility
Agency related to Environmental Impact Assessment.
Cost-Benefit Careful and explicit analyses of the costs and benefits of a proposed action. Such an
Analysis analysis should also determine social discount rates for both costs and benefits.
Cumulative An impact that may in itself not be significant but the combination of one or more
Impact impacts that can have a greater effect than the sum of the individual impacts.
Environment The physical, biological, social, economic, cultural, historical and political factors that
surround human beings. It includes both the natural and built environments. It also includes
human health and welfare.
Environmental The methodology of identifying and evaluating in advance, any impact positive or negative,
Assessment which results from the implementation of a proposed action.
Environmental A report containing sufficient information to enable the Environmental Agency to
Impact determine whether and under what conditions a proposed action should proceed.
Assessment
Report
Environmental An action plan that addresses the how, when, who, where and what of the environmental
Management Plan mitigation measure aimed at optimizing benefits and avoiding or mitigating adverse
potential impacts of proposed operation or activity. It encompasses mitigation, monitoring,
rehabilitation and contingency plans

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Environmental Is the means of ensuring effective implementation of an environmental management plan

Management or procedures and compliance with environmental policy objectives and targets.
System
Environmental A statement by the organization of its intentions and principles in relation to its overall
policy of an environmental performance that provides a framework for action and for the setting of its
organization environmental objectives and targets.
Environmental Refers to the authority, the council, the sect oral and regional environmental agencies.
Protection Organs Any change to the environment or its component that may affect human health or safety,
biophysical conditions, or cultural heritage, other physical structure with positive or
negative consequences.
Integrated A code of practice for ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into
Environmental and all stages of the development process in order to achieve a desirable balance between
Development
Management
conservation and development and promote environmentally sustainable use of resources.
Proponent/ Any organ of government, if in the public sector or any person if in the private sector that
Developer initiate a project or a public instrument.
Public Means a policy, a plan, a strategy, a program, a law or an international agreement.
instrument
Rehabilitation Restoration of an environmental component, social service or system that has been
affected by an activity to more or less its former states.
Regional Any regional government organ entrusted by that Region, with a responsibility of the
Environmental protection or regulation of the environment and natural resources.
agency
Reviewing The determination of whether or not the environmental impact study report meets the
approved Terms of Reference and provides satisfactory information and analysis that is
required for decision-making.
Scoping The identification and “narrowing down” of potential major environmental impacts based on
which a detail impact assessment will be conducted.
Screening The process that decides whether or not a project requires assessment, and the level of
assessment that may be required.
Interested and Individuals or groups concerned with or affected by an activity and its consequences.
Affected Parties These include local communities, work force, customers, or consumers, environmental
interested groups and the general public.
Licensing agency Any organ of government empowered by law to issue an investment permit, trade or
operating license or work permit or register business organization as a case may be.
Measures taken to reduce or rectify undesirable impacts of a particular activity when an
Mitigations environmental evaluation process deems the impact is adversely significant.
Monitoring The repetitive and continuing observations, measurements and evaluation of changes that
relate to the proposed activity. It can helps to follow changes over a period of time to
assess the efficiency of control measures.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document is an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Study Report for the
Proposed Small scale Gold Mining project. Maji woreda, Adiskas Kebele, Kalu-kan special site.. This
study report is prepared in accordance with Section 58 to Section 67 and Section 138 of the
Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999; Amendment 2015, (Cap. 387) that
require all projects listed under the second schedule of the Act to undertake environmental assessments
and submit it to NEMA for approval and licensing before commencement. The subsidiary legislation to
the Act, the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, (Amendment 2019),
provides the framework for carrying out EIAs and EAs in Ethiopia by NEMA licensed experts.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) should be followed by Annual Environmental
Audits (EAs) beginning 12 months from the date of commissioning of operations in order to determine
the projects’ compliance with regulations and set standards. The purpose of ESIA study is to identify
potential positive and negative environmental impacts associated with the proposed projects and thus
provide recommendations on how to take advantage of the positive impacts on one hand and how to
mitigate the negative environmental impacts on the other.
This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has been undertaken in accordance with
Ethiopian Legislation and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Operating Safeguards. Chapter 1 of this
ESIA includes a summary of the contents of each chapter that is required in order for the ESIA to meet the
AfDB requirements.
The scoping stage of the ESIA identified the need to consider potential impacts during the construction
and operational phases of the Project on: soils, surface water, wetlands, ground water, air quality,
climate change, noise, transport and access, visual, waste management, biodiversity and socio-
economic environments on the functionality of the Project.

LOCATION OF PROJECT
The proposed Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining Industry sites are located within the
southwest Region of Ethiopia. The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining Industry site falls
under the jurisdiction of organized private groups. Maji is one of the woredas in the South West
Ethiopia Peoples' Region of Ethiopia. Maji is bordered on the south by Surma, on the west
by the Gambela Region, on the north by Guraferda, on the northeast by Meinit Shasha, and
on the east by Bero Woreda. Distance between cities Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Maji,
Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia on public roads is — 682.62 km
or 423.22 miles. The distance between the points in the coordinates — 470 km or 282 miles. To
overcome this distance at an average vehicle speed of 80 km / h require — 5.9 h. or 352.5 minutes.
Maji (also known as Dizi) is one of the woredas in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples'
Region of Ethiopia. Part of the Bench Maji Zone, Maji is bordered on the south by the Kibish River
which separates it from South Sudan, on the west by Surma, on the northwest by Bero, on the north by
Meinit Shasha, and on the east by the Omo River which separates it from the Debub Omo Zone. Towns
in Maji include Tum and Maji.
Latitude: 5° 54' 59.99" N
Longitude: 35° 39' 59.99" E

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The proposed project will be implemented on legally accepted 10 hectares land which was approved by West omo zone
water, mine and energy Bureau and Maji woreda Addiskas kebele. The following X,Y coordinate point will be
Wondimu Woldemichael Special small scale Golding site which was legally accepted.
NO X-coordinate Y-coordinate
1. 795047 642417
2. 795281 642271
3. 795439 642552
4. 795135 642734

PROJECT PROPONENT
The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining Industry is the proponent for this project and will be
responsible for the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (EMP) and the
Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
The Ethiopian based environmental consultancy, Safe Development consultant and Training Industry,
in collaboration with SWE regional forest, Environment and climate change protection Bureau were
appointed to undertake the required Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the
proposed small scale gold mining and associated West omo Zone agriculture & Environment
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protection office (the Project) in order to obtain environmental certification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining is proposed to cover an area of 5 ha in extent and will
comprise of a processing area which will cover 5 ha and a non-processing area of 23.04 ha. This Tariku
Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry will focus on cereals, sesame, livestock as well as fruits
and vegetables and the brewery processing industry. The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining
Industry includes the associated infrastructure required to effectively process all these agricultural
materials. These include water and electrical supply infrastructure, sewage treatment works, roads and
storage areas. Quality control and assurance facilities are also included within the gold mining activities
along with support and training facilities. The non-processing area of the site includes a residential area
as well as supporting facilities such as a school, places of worship and commercial areas. The Tariku
Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry also includes greenery and open spaces, which will make
up approximately 15% of the total area. Water supply to the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold
Mining Industry is proposed from runoff water and borehole extraction. The proposal is to install a
minimum of 6 bore wells, with a 300 mm diameter and depth of up to 120 m, within the proposed project
area (or aassnearby vicinity depending on the yield of the bore wells). The Godira River, flowing to the
north and east of the site, was noted to be a non-perennial river and as such is dry for parts of the year
and is therefore not a viable option for water supply to the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining
Industry. The Southwest Ethiopia Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry site is situated
approximately 4 km away from the Godira River, which is also non-perennial and drains into the Sisaki
Nuteb which then flows into the Omo River. Water will not be withdrawn from the Godira River due to the
dependency of farmers for downstream agricultural activities. A suitable water treatment plant is to be
established within the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry to treat the water supply in
order to meet the acceptable limits of water quality as per Ethiopian drinking water standards. A sewage
treatment plant (STP) and effluent treatment plant (ETP) is to be established within the northern portion
of the Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold Mining Industry. It is anticipated that waste water
produced by equipment and regular maintenance will be recycled in the operational process. Treated
waste water is to be re-used in the production process as no potable water. The total power demand for
the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry will be sourced from Ethiopian Electric Power
(EEP) via the substation at Jemo Town, located approximately 35 km from the proposed site.
The proposed Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining site is located approximately 6.5 km south
of town of Maji, 25 km south of Jemo, and approximately 23 km west of the Tariku Bekelespecial small
scale Gold Mining Industry (50 km by road via Jemo). The proposed site falls under the jurisdiction of
Maji town. The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining site covers an area of 10 ha. The
Proposed Small Scale Gold Mining is to be focused on cereals, pulses, livestock, milk and vegetables.
Furthermore the Proposed Small Scale Gold Mining contains agri-business, commercial and social
infrastructure which includes processing facilities, training centers as well as health centers.
The social infrastructure provides the necessary support for the occupant industries in the Proposed
Gold Mining Site Presently water is supplied to the town of Maji by a water supply scheme located
approximately 1 km from the proposed site, however; there is no surplus water available in the existing
scheme to supply the Proposed Gold Mining Site It is therefore proposed to sink two deep bore wells
within the Proposed Small Scale Gold Mining site to meet the required demand.
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
In developing and conceptualizing the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry network,
alternative sites were identified by the Mining sectores in collaboration with the project engineers,
MACE, during the prefeasibility phase. The sites considered were prioritized for their inter-industry
linkages, their access to existing infrastructure such as road, power, water and rail networks as well as

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their proximity to viable markets. Furthermore, consideration was given to identifying a site that has
access to existing commercial and support services such as universities, research centres, technical
vocational education and training centers; farmers‘cooperatives and unions; and financial institutions.
Although the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Proposed Small Scale Gold
Mining facilities will incorporate a number of social amenities, having reasonably good accessibility to
a broader coverage of social facilities is very important in providing services demanded by the Tariku
Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry.
Site layout alternatives have been considered for the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining
Industry site. Following site selection, during the feasibility study, a site survey was undertaken to
determine the sites opportunities and constraints. Based on the findings of the initial site screening
assessment various layouts were generated and assessed based on efficiency. The layout was then
assessed through the ESIA process and further impacts to the water course were identified and the
layout plan was amended accordingly. The proposed layouts contained within this report are the
preferred layout for the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Proposed Small
Scale Gold Mining facilities.
The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry master plan now retains the watercourse in
the western corner and incorporates this into the green areas of the master plan.
Finally, the likely future environmental conditions without the project were considered. Without the
Project, there would be no additional impacts, either positive or negative, on the physical, biological
and social environments, although existing pressures on resources and infrastructure will continue,
in some cases leading to the deterioration of the quality of life for future generations.
Key benefits that will be lost include:
 Employment opportunities
 Increased knowledge, skill and technology transfer to Ethiopians
 Potential increase in export products
 Contribution to national and regional infrastructure development
Therefore the above benefits that could be gained for the community, farming industry and Ethiopia will
be lost.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The majority of impacts were assessed to be of minor negative significance with the implementation of
recommended mitigation measures. The major and moderate residual negative effects of the project
arise from the risk of pollution of soils, noise from construction and decommissioning activities, waste
management, social impacts on people who need to be resettled and the impact decommissioning the
facilities would have on the livelihoods of the local community gaining employment from the facility.
The major and moderate residual positive effects of the project arise from the revegetation of
indigenous plant species in the proposed ‗green‘ areas and open spaces, including the green buffer area
on either side of the existing stream bed, as well as an increase in employment opportunities and
demand for goods and serviced in the region.
Based on the census data collected by the Mining sector, the proposed Southwest Ethiopia Project
(including the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Proposed Small Scale Gold
Mining facilities) will result in 40 PAPs being economically displaced by the proposed development,
where the project footprint will cover the land plots cultivated by these 40 PAPs. The development
causes economic displacement and not physical displacement.
The project also has a number of benefits that have been identified, mainly associated with economic
well-being of the local community. The industrialization of the agricultural sector provides employment
transition opportunities for farmers and their children.

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The Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold
mining would increase incomes, provide greater food security and more employment opportunities.
It must be noted that during this ESIA process, construction works for the boundary wall had already
commenced and therefore some of the impacts included in this report include impacts from existing
construction activities. Commencement of construction without receiving an environmental certificate
does not follow the traditional environmental certification process and this issue should be looked into
by the Mining Sector.
The Stakeholder Engagement process as part of the Project has been summarized in Chapter of this
ESIA. The Stakeholder Engagement built on the existing work done by the local authority and has
further established links with representatives for stakeholder groups; facilitated data collection;
identified concerns and opportunities.
The project also has a number of broader benefits that have been identified, mainly associated with
economic well-being of the local community. The industrialization of the agricultural sector provides
employment transition opportunities for farmers and their children. The Tariku Bekelespecial small
scale Gold Mining Industry and Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining would increase
incomes, provide greater food security and more employment opportunities.

PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES

A number of measures have been identified as necessary to minimize and control the risk of erosion
and water pollution to surrounding farming activities. Water use and pollution would need to be
monitored in the future to limit residual effects on other water users and aquatic ecosystems.
An Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed. The ESMP represents
Southwest Ethiopia Industrial Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industrys Development
Corporation‘s commitment to address and manage the potential negative and positive impacts
associated with the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Tariku Bekelespecial
small scale Gold mining projects. The key intent of the ESMP is to ensure that the environmental and
social objectives of the project are met and it is based on the various components of the Project
throughout design, construction and operational phases.
The ESIA has not identified any fatal flaws which would restrict the development of the proposed
Southwest Ethiopia Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industry and Proposed Gold
Mining Site

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Key significant Environmental protection will be takenin gold mining can be achieved through a
combination of sustainable practices, new technologies, and community involvement.
Sustainable practices
Use lower-impact techniques: Reduce the environmental impact of mining by using less
harmful techniques
Reuse waste: Recycle and reuse mining waste
Use eco-friendly equipment: Use equipment that is better for the environment
Rehabilitate mining sites: Restore the land after mining has been completed
Integrate renewable energy: Use renewable energy sources to power mining operations
Manage water: Manage and recycle water used in mining
Reduce waste: Reduce the amount of waste produced by mining

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New technologies
 Use digital technologies and automation to improve the mining process
 Implement new technologies to reduce health and safety hazards
Community involvement
 Involve local communities in policy making and environmental protection
 Set up a system for continuous environmental monitoring
The Stakeholder Engagement process as part of the Project has been summarized in Chapter of this
ESIA and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. The Stakeholder Engagement built on the existing work
done by the local authority and has further established links with representatives for stakeholder groups;
facilitated data collection; identified concerns and opportunities.
The ESIA demonstrates that the overall balance of impacts is positive, primarily as a result of the
employment opportunities for the current and future generations and the anticipated contribution these
projects will make to the Ethiopian Gross Domestic Product. This would be achieved through the
modernization of traditional farming systems saving time and energy and increasing productivity. There
are significant benefits to the region and local communities if the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold
Mining Industry and Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining projects are implemented such as
job creation expected during the construction and operational phases, as well as the positive outcomes
on the health and education sectors as a result of these agro-industrial Tariku Bekelespecial small scale
Gold Mining.
In summary, it is recognized that the development of the Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining
Industry and Proposed Small Scale Gold Mining will result in negative environmental impacts,
however, if the ESMP and RAP is adequately implemented by the MINING SECTOR the overall
benefits of the project outweighs the negatives. In order to ensure this project is implemented correctly
and adequately, it is strongly recommended that an independent environmental control officer is
appointed to undertake monthly audits of the construction against the conditions set out within the
environmental certificate. These audits should be followed by a compliance report to be issued to the
MINING SECTOR and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) to ensure any
non-compliances are rectified.

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v
 Table I: Summary of potential negative environmental impacts

Potential adverse
Proposed mitigation measures
environmental impact
 Handle the GDA solution carefully to prevent accidental spillage.
Chemical contamination  The process should be restricted to specific places at the site and be
(Gold Dressing Agent) avoided in residential areas. These sites should be at least 100 m from
the nearest residential areas.
 Recycle water left after the process appropriately to prevent
accumulation of contaminants in the environment.
 The developer must seek for appropriate licensing from appropriate
authorities such as Garo-Kebele, The Pharmacy and Poisons Board
and the Department of Mining.
 Only qualified and recommended persons to handle the GDA solution
 Dispose appropriately the tailings and other wastes regularly to
prevent them from accumulating at the site.
Air pollution (vapours,  Provide workers in areas concentrated with exhaust emissions, dust
exhaust emissions and and fumes with nose masks covering the mouth and the nose; and
dust) goggles to protect the eyes.
 Run and service/maintain machinery and vehicles regularly according
to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to ensure efficiency in
working.
 Use appropriate fuel that is free from adulteration.
 Sprinkle water on all dust-active areas to suppress dust and/or pave or
apply non-toxic soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads and
Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold Mining Industrying areas.
 Sprinkle water to earthen and dusty ground before sweeping to
prevent dust production.
 Supervise activities at the site especially burning and sweeping.
 Regularly check and clean or repair areas perceived to be sources of
air pollution such as manholes.
 Advice workers to adhere to instruction for use of air polluting
agents. For instance “Do Not Use In Confined Places”, “Do Not
Inhale Fumes” Etc.
 Advice workers and stall operators to ensure indoor ventilation by
opening windows and using exhaust fans to allow good air circulation
into and out of the stalls and offices.
 Where possible cover all trucks hauling loose material including the
gold ore with tarpaulin and/or requiring these trucks to maintain at
least two feet of freeboard.

 Use lime to maintain the pH of the slurry at between 11 to 12 values

Risk of release of  Ensure that barren slurry from which gold has been extracted is
associated gases certified as having less than 0.1% of chemical solution before its
reused to make interlocking bricks
Noise and vibrations  Posting notices at the sites to inform people of the activities, time and
day.
 Planning the construction work to take place only during the day
when the neighbours are also at work and maintaining reasonable
working hours of not more than 8 hours within any 24-hours working
duration so as to reduce the number of complaints concerning noise
from the workers and neighbours. Workers will work in shifts.
 Providing ear protective devices to workers and visitors in noisy

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Potential adverse
Proposed mitigation measures
environmental impact
environments to prevent high frequency noise emitted by the high
frequency machines.
 Fitting crushing rooms with sound proof materials
 Employ modern machines that produce less noise or ones fitted
with silencers
 Design and construct curbs and channels to direct water to the lower
areas.
Storm water flow  Design the storm drainage system in such a way that the storm does
not mix with the waste water.
 Consult the neighbors and land owners on the lower side
neighbourhood of the site to ensure that all storm drains leaving the
site to the valley does not become a nuisance to them or interfere with
activities therein those areas.
 Keep open all drainage lines and built no obstructions within them to
prevent stagnation of water that could lead to development of
breeding grounds for disease causing vectors such as mosquitoes,
rats, cockroaches and lice and other vermin.
 Install gutters and tanks to harvest and store rain water from the
buildings in order to reduce run-off.
 Plant papyrus reeds in the valley part of the site that receives run-off
from the site in order to trap contaminants from the plant.
 People in the area use the tailings for smearing and decorating houses
Solid wastes since they have attractive colours. This is mostly done just before
Christmas season.
 Tailings can be added in the farm especially where root crops are
grown since they are believed to provide favourable conditions for
fattening of the roots.
 Tailings can be used to make bricks.
 Provide bins for separate collection of wastes into appropriate sorts
such as recyclable and non-recyclable for each room, each corridor
and each common room. These bins should be labeled.
 Put in place an efficient, regular and appropriate waste collection and
disposal scheme that will prevent the accumulation of wastes at
collection areas.
 Where possible material considered as waste may be re-used or
recycled or be given to who may consider them useful for others uses.
 Advice workers and business people to order materials according to
needs to reduce waste.
 Maintain and repair equipment rather than replacing it to
reduce waste.
 Provide polite notices to conserve water at the site.
Water usage  Always recycle water used in the leaching tanks.
 Maximize on rain water harvesting for domestic purposes.
Potential adverse
Proposed mitigation measures
environmental impact

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  Provide workers with appropriate PPE such as aprons, ear muffs,
nose masks and gloves
Safety, health and  Train workers or self in emergency management
hygiene  Install and safeguard machinery, equipment, PPE, appliances
and tools appropriately and carry out regular maintenance
services in accordance with their manufacturer’s safety data
information
 Maintain First Aid Kits at the site in easily accessible areas
 Employ security personnel that will be at the facility for all hours
of the day
 Install and use exhaust fans and lighting systems in areas
natural ventilation and lighting are not enough
 Store and use all materials as outlined on their manufacturers’ data
safety labels
 Make distinctions in all stores in such a way that non-food or
poisonous materials are not stored together or mixed with food
 Separate outdoor washrooms based on gender into ladies and gents
and provide them with lockable doors

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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the proposed project
Mining is important to the economy of Ethiopia as a diversification from agriculture.
Currently, mining comprises only 1% of GDP. Gold, gemstones (diamonds and sapphires),
and industrial minerals are important commodities for the country's export-oriented growth
strategy

The country has deposits of coal, opal, gemstones, kaolin, iron ore, soda ash, and tantalum,
but only gold is mined in significant quantities. In Salt extraction from salt beds in the Afar
Depression, as well as from salt springs in Dire and Afder districts in the south, is only of
internal importance and only a negligible amount is exported.

Tantalum mining has also been profitable. It was reported that in the late 1980s, the mineral
industry lacked importance given that it contributed less than 0.2 percent of
Ethiopia's GDP. Mining for gold is a key development sector in the country. Gold export,
which was just US$5 million in 2001, has recorded a large increase to US$602 million in
2012.] 2001 gold production amounted to some 3.4 t Production and sale of gold had touched
a level of US$23.8 million (as of 2005) and that of tantalum is US$2.3 million. The mining
stakes in Ethiopia are held by: The Ethiopian Mineral Development Share Company, a
Government organization (EMDSC) (an amalgamation of earlier four Government
enterprises) established in 2000 is engaged in all mining activities in the country; the Ezana
Mining Development, functioning since 1993, a privately owned Ethiopian enterprise in
consulting in all aspects related to mining including all types of explorations; the Midrock
Gold, a subsidiary of Midrock Gold Group, in operation at Shakisso town in southern
Ethiopia, is involved in gold mining (production of 3500 kg of gold per year extracting
50,000 tons of rock per month); and the National Mining Corporation (set up in 1993), a
private company involved in all facets of mineral and petroleum product production including
byproducts.

The Ethiopian Geological Survey of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) with assistance
from UNDP and private companies have assessed the mineral and petroleum resources of Ethiopia. The
resources discovered in different regions of the country are mainly
gold, tantalum, phosphorus, iron, salt, potash, soda ash, gemstones, coal, geothermal and natural gas,
apart from many industrial and construction materials. Other mineral resources are platinum, niobium,
copper, nickel, manganese and molybdenum; marble is found extensively in most parts of the country.

Gold has been exploited since ancient times. Large ore based gold mines are the Lega Dembi (the largest
mine in Guji Zone, Oromia region of Ethiopia[1]) and Sakaro, which have been mined by private
companies; the amount of gold produced by these mines is reported to be about 5 tons per year. In the
Western and Northern Greenstone Belts of the country (finest mining reserve in gold mining[2]), orogenic
mines have been located; also discovered in this area are ores of the volcanogenic massive sulfide
(VMS).[6]

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Tantalum is mined at Kenticha mine. It is found in the pegmatitic rocks of the Southern Greenstone Belt.
[6]
Tantalum is used in making all electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras, computers and so
forth;[1] and its mining programme is the sixth largest in the world. Kenticha mines has resources to the
extent of 9,000 tonnes of processed potash which could be extracted over the next 15 years. This mine
also produces quartz, feldspar, kaolin and dolomite used in industries.[4] The gas fields are located in the
southeastern part of the country at Calub, Hilala and Genale gas fields in the Ogaden Basin. The gas
resources potential of these fields have been assessed as 4.6 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF).
[6]
Precambrian to Recent period rock formations are found suitable for use in construction and in
industrial use

Figu 1.1 : Map of Gold mining areas in Ethiopia

Potash mining has generated lot of interest in recent years. Allana Potash, a Canadian mining
company is poised to start mining for potash in the Afar Regional State while the Indian
Sainik Potash has been working in the Dallol depression. Prospecting for iron, gold and base
metals is also in progress in many regions of the country. More and more gold mines are
being located, such as in the Afar region and in the Konso woreda in south western Ethiopia.
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On 30 August 2012 it was announced that British firm Nyota Minerals was about to become
the first foreign company to receive a mining licence to extract gold from an estimated
resource of 52 tonnes in western Ethiopia. This document is an Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA) study report for the Proposed Small scale Gold Mining project located in southwest
regional state, West omo Zone Maji woreda, Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan site., Addis-kas kebele. Below
is a summary of the proposed project.

Table 1.1: Summary of the proposed project

Item Description
Project name Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining Industry
Southwest Regional state, Maji woreda, Garo-Kebele, Kolu-Kan
Location

Nature of development Small scale Gold Mining project

Objective To extract gold from tailings by use of traditional leaching process
Proponent Wondimu WoldemichaelSpecial Small scale Arsenal Gold Mining
License area The area cover the 10 hectare of land leased to the proponent
The land has been leased to Tariku BekeleSpecial Small scale Arsenal Gold
Land ownership
Mining for 20 years by. Tariku Bekelespecial small scale Gold mining
Industry
Land Size 10 hectares

1.1.1 Objectives of the ESIA Study

The following are the main objectives:
a) To comply with EMCA, 1999 (Cap. 387), Amendment 2015;
b) To identify and assess the likely negative and positive environmental impacts that would
arise with the implementation of the proposed project;
c) To identify and plan for measures for the mitigation of the identified impacts; and
d) To provide a basis for decision-making to reviewers, the Authority and all other stake-holders.

1.1.2 Terms of Reference (TOR) and scope for the ESIA Study Report

The assessment is expected to meet the objectives of ESIA Study in order to ensure sustainable
development. Hence, TOR outlining the expectations of the ESIA Study were documented by the
Proponent and the ESIA team in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental (Impact
Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, (Amendment 2019) in order to lay a basis for the
assessment. The proponent and the ESIA team did the following in order to achieve the TOR for this
assessment:
a) Generated environmental baseline conditions of the project area.
b) Described the proposed project by giving clear accounts of its location; design; construction
and operational activities; material usage; products and by-products including wastes to be
generated in all phases and the methods of their disposal; and likely environmental changes.

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c) Obtained views and opinions of the interested and affected persons by undertaking public
consultations by means of administration of questionnaires to neighbours, business operators
and area residents in the vicinity of the proposed project. A public meeting (Wuyit by
Amharic) was held for the proposed project.
d) Reviewed legislation and regulations relevant to the proposed project and showed their
relevance to the proposed project.
e) Described and analyzed alternatives to the proposed project in relation the project site,
design, technologies, processes and the reasons for preferring the proposed alternative.
f) Established key areas of environmental, health and safety concerns focusing on both the
positive and negative effects in relation to how they affect the biophysical, social, economic
and cultural components of the environment.
g) Analyzed impacts and recommended mitigation and enhancement measures for the adverse
and positive impacts respectively. The analysis of potential impacts related to the location;
design; applicable technologies; and construction and operation activities of the proposed
project.
h) Generated comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plans for the proposed
project covering all its phases. The plans form a basis upon which all
mitigation/enhancement measures will be carried out and specify the parties (organizations or
individuals) responsible for the implementation of mitigation/enhancement measures and the
schedule for their implementation and indicate the parameters to be monitored, frequency of
monitoring, indicators of performance, parties responsible for monitoring and the associated
costs.

i) Generated a comprehensive ESIA study report in accordance with the Environmental (Impact
Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (Amendment 2019) and submitted the study report
and necessary soft and hard copies to the Authority for further instructions and/or approval.

1.1.3 Assessment methodology and limitations

This assessment was carried out in July 2024 in accordance with the procedures and protocols in the
Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (Amendment 2019). The
assessment involved:

a) Extensive site tours to physically inspect and document existing facilities at the site and
natural and socio-economic features of importance;
b) Environmental screening to determine the necessity and level of the ESIA study process;
c) Interviews with the interested and affected persons including the project management team
and neighboring residents and business operators among other groups in the neighborhood
regarding the proposed project; and
d) Desktop studies for documentary review on the nature of the activities of the proposed project,
proposed project related documents, plans, designs, policy and legislative frameworks as well as

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the environmental setting of the area amongst other things. The main limitation to the assessment is
that some of the information was compiled based on responses of the owner and the stakeholders
involved. There are difficulties in verification of some of this kind of information. The consultant
has evaluated information obtained within the limits of the established scope of work. The mining
industry can foster economic development by providing opportunities for decent employment,
business development, increased fiscale revenues, and infrastructure linkages. Many of the
minerals produced by mining are also essential building blocks to technologies, infrastructure,
energy and agriculture. Ethiopia has diverse climate, landscape and geology. Due to this
geological diversity, Ethiopia endowed with different types of mineral resources namely:
 Metallic minerals: Silver, lead, zinc, bromine, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalum,
nickel, copper, chrome, manganese, and iron ore;
 Construction/ Industrial Minerals: Granite, marble, basalt, rhyolite, scoria, limestone, sandstone, clay,
silica sand, pumice, quartz, coal, gypsum, bentonite, perlite, diatomite, potash, and halite;
 Gemstones: Emerald, sapphire, opal, jasper, olivine, peridotite, topaz, corundum and
 Fossil fuels: Petroleum and Natural gas.

Mineral resources in Ethiopia are mined by state-owned corporations, private

companies and artisanal and small-scale miners. Mining project licenses vary
according to the scale of the project development and type of ores or materials to be
extracted from the earth. According to the mining operation proclamation, mineral
development permits has classified into three license ranks:
 Prospecting license (ESIA not required),
 Exploration license, and
 Mining (exploitation) license.

Mining (exploitation) license is further divided into:

 Artisanal mining;
 Special small scale mining;
 Small scale mining; and
 Large scale mining.
Mining and Environmental Challenges
Historically, mining has contributed to many of the challenges like environmental
degradation, ecosystem disruption, displacement of populations, worsening of
economic and social inequality, conflicts, gender-based violence, tax evasion and

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corruption, increased risk for many health problems, and the violation of human rights
(Mining SDG, 2016). Additionally, climate change is also a critical issue and mining
companies both contribute to and are affected by climate change. Therefore, a
sustainable mineral development can be achieved only through taking into
consideration social, economic, climate change and environmental situations in
mining development work through Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
(ESIA) implementation.
One of the major environmental challenges facing Ethiopia is global climate change
and increased climate variability that affects many aspects of citizen life and economy:
human settlements, agriculture, water availability, health, tourism and the frequency
and severity of disasters from floods and droughts (CRGE, 2011). The importance of
the Environmental Impact Assessment (ESIA) was identified as an effective
instrument for environmental and socioeconomic impacts management of any
developmental activities. In relation to this, there should be well-designed ESIA Study
to conduct an effective environmental and social impact assessment. However, under
the existing mining ESIA Study, the impacts of climate change, socio-economic,
disaster risk, and detail ecological value services on the sustainability of mineral
development and construction or other long-term infrastructure projects are not
addressed. Therefore, this mining ESIA Study is developed within the context of
emphasizing the impacts related to social issues, climate change, ecosystem services
and disaster risk management.

Scope of the study

This ESIA Study is applicable to all range of mining projects in Ethiopia including
artisanal mining, which has also significant environmental impacts, but exempted by
mining operation proclamation no. 678/2010.

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 
1.2 Rationale for the ESIA Study process
1.2.1 Purpose of the ESIA Study Report

The proposed project is categorized as a High-Risk Project under the Legal Notice No. 31, Legislative
Supplement No. 16 published in the Ethiopia Gazette Supplement No. 62 on 30 th April, 2019 i.e. Amendment
of the Second Schedule which lists the projects to undergo EIA [Section 58 (1) of EMCA, 1999 (Cap. 387)
(Amendment 2015)]. The project can be described as Mining and other related activities including – precious
metals; [Sub-section 3. (6) (a)] Furthermore, the proposed project’s beneficial and adverse environmental
impacts cannot be underestimated. The project requires an ESIA study report carried out for it before it is
implemented subject to Section 58 of the Act and Part VI, Section 31 (3) (a) (i) and (ii), of its legislative
supplement, the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (Amendment 2019). These
require all upcoming projects to have environmental assessments carried out for them before they are
executed. The ESIA study provides baseline information upon which subsequent environmental assessments
are based. It also addresses mitigation options for potential impacts. The main purpose of an ESIA study
report is therefore to assist the Proponent, NEMA and all other stakeholders in understanding the potential
environmental consequences of the proposed project and thus provide a basis for making informed decisions
on the project.

The proposed project has close linkage to the current government development priorities, which includes
Vision 2030, with Mining as the 7th pillar. The economic pillar of this development agenda aims at uplifting the
status of community members. Mineral exploration and eventually mining activities can transform the
economic welfare in the area. Manufacturing; and Affordable Healthcare are covered. The proposed project has
demonstrated alignment with environmental sound development global, national and county level strategic
goals.

1.2.2 Terms of Reference (TOR) and scope for the ESIA Study Report

The assessment is expected to meet the objectives of ESIA Study in order to ensure sustainable development.
Hence, TOR outlining the expectations of the ESIA Study were documented by the Proponent and the ESIA
team in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations,
2003, (Amendment 2019) in order to lay a basis for the assessment. The proponent and the ESIA team did the
following in order to achieve the TOR for this assessment:

j) Generated environmental baseline conditions of the project area.

k) Described the proposed project by giving clear accounts of its location; design; construction and
operational activities; material usage; products and by-products including wastes to be generated in all
phases and the methods of their disposal; and likely environmental changes.
l) Obtained views and opinions of the interested and affected persons by undertaking public consultations
by means of administration of questionnaires to neighbours, business operators and area residents in
the vicinity of the proposed project. A public meeting (Wuyit by Amharic) was held for the proposed

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project.
m) Reviewed legislation and regulations relevant to the proposed project and showed their relevance to the
proposed project.
n) Described and analyzed alternatives to the proposed project in relation the project site, design,
technologies, processes and the reasons for preferring the proposed alternative.
o) Established key areas of environmental, health and safety concerns focusing on both the positive and
negative effects in relation to how they affect the biophysical, social, economic and cultural
components of the environment.
p) Analyzed impacts and recommended mitigation and enhancement measures for the adverse and positive
impacts respectively. The analysis of potential impacts related to the location; design; applicable
technologies; and construction and operation activities of the proposed project.
q) Generated comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plans for the proposed project
covering all its phases. The plans form a basis upon which all mitigation/enhancement measures will be
carried out and specify the parties (organizations or individuals) responsible for the implementation of
mitigation/enhancement measures and the schedule for their implementation and indicate the
parameters to be monitored, frequency of monitoring, indicators of performance, parties responsible for
monitoring and the associated costs.

r) Generated a comprehensive ESIA study report in accordance with the Environmental (Impact
Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (Amendment 2019) and submitted the study report and
necessary soft and hard copies to the Authority for further instructions and/or approval.

1.2.3 Assessment methodology and limitations

This assessment was carried out in July 2024 in accordance with the procedures and protocols in the
Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 (Amendment 2019). The assessment
involved:

e) Extensive site tours to physically inspect and document existing facilities at the site and natural and
socio-economic features of importance;
f) Environmental screening to determine the necessity and level of the ESIA study process;
g) Interviews with the interested and affected persons including the project management team and
neighboring residents and business operators among other groups in the neighborhood regarding the
proposed project; and
h) Desktop studies for documentary review on the nature of the activities of the proposed project,
proposed project related documents, plans, designs, policy and legislative frameworks as well as the
environmental setting of the area amongst other things.
The main limitation to the assessment is that some of the information was compiled based on responses of the
owner and the stakeholders involved. There are difficulties in verification of some of this kind of information.
The consultant has evaluated information obtained within the limits of the established scope of work.

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2. POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORKS

This section describes the national and international policies and laws relevant to the
implementation of mining projects. Several policies, proclamations, and Study have been put in
place to cater for environmental and social compliance by mineral development projects. All
policies, proclamations and Study explained in this section should describe their relations with
the mining project activities.

National Policies(FDRE) constitution

The constitution is the supreme law of the country, where provisions, regulations, institutional framework must comply with.
In the Ethiopian constitution, there are direct and indirect articles stated supporting environment-related issues for the
sustainable development program. The following articles are also mentioned in the constitution.
Article 43: Indicate the right to development and fundamental rights and freedoms. According to
this article peoples' have right to:
 Improve living standards and to sustainable development,
 Participate in national development, particularly in consultation with respect to policies
and projects affecting their community, and
 Enhance their capacities for development and to meet their basic needs.

Article 44
Indicates that ''all persons have the right to live in a clean and healthy environment".

Article 92
Indicates that:
 ''Government shall endeavour to ensure that all Ethiopians live in a clean and healthy
environment.''
 ''The design and implementation of programmers and projects of development shall not
damage or destroy the environment.''
 ''People have the right to full consultation and to the expression of views in the planning
and implementation of policies and projects that affect them directly. ''

 ''Government and citizens shall have the duty to protect the environment. ''

Environmental Policy
The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE) was issued in April 1997. The overall policy goal is

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to improve and enhance the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians and promote sustainable
social and economic development through sound management and use of natural, manmade and
cultural resources and their environment as a whole, so as to meet the needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The
policy addressed mineral resources as one of the sectoral environmental policy issues (Section
3.6) and environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) as a cross-sectoral environmental
policy (Section 4.9). In Section 3.6a (mineral resources), the policy acknowledges that mineral
resources are not renewable resources. The policy consists mainly of guiding principles and
various sectoral and cross-sectoral policies for sustainable environmental management.

The policy seeks to ensure the empowerment and participation of the people and their
organizations at all levels in environmental management activities, raise public awareness and
promote understanding of the essential linkage between environment and development. In
addition to its guiding principles, the policy addresses sectoral and cross-sectoral environmental
issues.

Draft Mineral Resource Development Policy

The Ethiopia mineral resource development policy was drafted in 2019 and addressed the pillars
and priorities areas with the intention of ensuring a system that guarantees minimum damage on
the environment in the process of mining activities by using the best technology and putting in
place mitigation strategies consistent with sustainable development goals.

The general instruments of policy implementation include:

 Promoting and ensuring a mineral sector development that is consistent with goals of
sustainable development,
 Putting in place fiscale and other instruments that strike a balance between attracting
quality investment in the sector and sustainable social benefits,
 Cultivating and ensuring efficient mineral administration and
 Planning and strategizing mineral sector development in the country.

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Draft Mining Operations Policy

One of the key focus areas of the policy is article 2.4 that targeted to ensure the survival of
human beings and all other forms of life while guaranteeing sustainable development,
environmental protection and development endeavors should be balanced by applying
internationally accepted procedures.

In the policy document, one can find the following key strategies:
 Licensees shall submit environmental and social impact assessments, environmental
management plans, impact mitigation measures, emergency preparedness response plans,
decommissioning and restoration plans to the regulator. They shall also incorporate the
measures they have taken in their annual reports;
 Key principles of environmental law such as the precautionary principle, the polluter
pays principle, and strict liability shall be applied;
 To ensure that licensees have discharged their obligations regarding mitigation measures
on long and short-term environmental impacts, a guarantee provision system shall be
established;
 While conducting petroleum operations in the water-ways used by the people or domestic
or wild animals, licensees shall use internationally recognized best available technologies
to avoid or minimize injuries that could happen;
 Petroleum operations’ waste disposal system, materials quality measurements, radiation
and energy application and technical related issues shall follow the national and
international legal rules and best practices;
 Licenses shall participate in community development activities within their petroleum
operation area and allocate annual budget till their operation is completed;
 A system shall be established to encourage the utilization of vehicles and machinery
which have low environmental impacts.

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Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy

The Government of Ethiopia has endorsed a comprehensive DRM policy based on lessons
learned from previous experience. These include: the necessity of a multi-hazard approach
grounded in a deep understanding of specific disaster risk and its link to development and
vulnerability; emphasis on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and post-disaster modalities
and capacities; de-centralization of resources and structures; a precise determination of DRM
responsibilities supported by the ability for legal enforcement and a high degree of
accountability.

The new DRM policy provides direction for the kind of DRM system envisaged for Ethiopia in
the future. Such system is based on an enabling policy environment and strategy. It relies on
organizational structures with appropriate and harmonized roles and responsibilities at federal,
regional, and woreda levels. Horizontal and vertical coordination among decision-making
bodies and effective DRM systems, processes, and procedures is ensured. Furthermore, the
system is based on an understanding of disaster risks; on practical and targeted information
flows for decision making and community DRM; on resources preparedness, ensuring
appropriate and timely availability of key resources; on adequate implementation capacity,
including resource delivery; and on mechanisms for learning lessons and feeding into planning
and decision-making.

Water Resource Management Policy

The former Ministry of Water Resource prepared the water resources management policy of
Ethiopia. The overall goal of the policy is to enable and promote all national efforts towards the
efficient, equitable and optimum utilization of the available water resources of Ethiopia for
significant socio-economic development on a sustainable basis. The policy ensures water
allocation for water supply and sanitation as the highest priority while apportioning the rest for
uses for socio-economic benefits. The policy also recognized the allocation of water for livestock
as well as for environment reserve is also regarded as a priority area in any water allocation.

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Health Policy
The health policy under Article 3.4 stipulates the need to develop safe disposal of household,
camps and industrial wastes, and encourages the recycling of waste. This policy under Article
5.3 also indicates the need to prevent environmental pollution from hazardous chemical wastes.

Public health proclamation No. 200/2000 was promulgated by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
on 9th March 2000. The proclamation is meant to promote the participation of the society in the
health sector and enforce the objectives of the health policy of Ethiopia. The proclamation under
its Part II discusses public health issues, including; food quality control, water quality control,
and waste handling and disposal, availability of toilet facilities, control of bathing places and
pools, etc. The article which deals with waste handling and disposal further elaborates that:
 Any person shall collect waste in a specially designated place and in a manner that does
not affect the health of the society and no person shall dispose solid, liquid or another
waste in a manner that contaminates the environment or affects the health of the society.
 Any solid, liquid and other wastes generated from hospitals should be handled with
special care and their disposal procedures should meet the standards set by the public
health authorities.

Women’s Policy
Apart from being a signatory of major conventions that protects women from discrimination and
others, the Ethiopian Government has also expressed its commitment to gender equity and
equality by issuing a national policy on Ethiopian women.

The policy, which was issued in 1993, has the following objectives:
 Facilitating conditions conductive to the speeding of equality between men and women
so that women can participate in the political, social and economic life of their country on
equal terms with men and ensuring that their right to own property as well as their other
human rights are respected and that they are not excluded from the enjoyment of their
fruits of their labor or from performing public functions and being decision-makers;
 Facilitating the necessary conditions whereby rural women can have access to basic
social services and to ways and means of lightening their work load; and

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 Eliminating step by step, prejudices as well as customary and other practices that are
based on the idea of male supremacy and enabling women to hold public office and to
participate in the decision making process at all levels.

Legal Frameworks

Establishment of Environmental Protection Organs (Proc. No.295/2002)

This Proclamation has stipulated the need to establish a system that enables to foster coordinated but
differentiated responsibilities among environmental protection agencies at federal and regional levels.
The Proclamation has also required the establishment of sectoral and regional environmental units
and agencies, respectively. This shows that institutionalizing and mainstreaming environmental
concerns has a legal basis.

Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation (Pro. No. 299/2002)

This Proclamation (No 299/2002) aims primarily at making the ESIA mandatory for categories of
projects specified under a directive issued by the EFCCC. The law specifies the projects and activities
that will require an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). The proponent of the project
must prepare the ESIA following the format specified in the legislation. The EFCCC will then review
the ESIA and either approve the project (with or without conditions) or reject it. The Proclamation
requires the following among the other things:
 Specified categories of projects to be subjected to an ESIA and receive an
authorization from the environmental competent agencies prior to commencing
implementation of the project;
 Licensing agencies to ensure that the requisite authorization has been duly received
prior to issuing an investment permit, a trade or operating license or a work permit to
a business organization;
 The EFCCC or the relevant regional environmental agencies may issue an exemption
from carrying out an ESIA in projects supposed to have an insignificant
environmental impact; and
 A licensing agency may suspend or cancel a license that has already been issued
where the EFCCC or the relevant regional environmental agency suspends or cancels
environmental authorization.

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 To put this Proclamation into effect, the EFCCC issued Study documents which provide
details of the ESIA process and its requirements.

Environmental Pollution Control Proclamation (Pro. No. 300/2002)

Proclamation no. 300/2002 on environmental pollution control primarily aims to ensure the right of
citizens to a healthy environment and to impose obligations to protect the environment. The
proclamation is based on the principle that each citizen has the right to have a healthy environment, as
well as the obligation to protect the environment. The law addresses the management of
hazardous waste, municipal waste, the establishment of environmental quality standards for air, water
and soil; and monitoring of pollution. The proclamation also addresses noise and vibration as one
source of environmental pollution and it seeks for standards and limits for it providing for the
maximum allowable noise level taking into account the settlement patterns. In general, the
Proclamation provides a basis from which the relevant environmental standards applicable to
Ethiopia can be developed, while sanctioning violation of these standards as criminally punishable
offences. Furthermore, it empowers the Federal EFCCC and/or the Regional Environmental Authority to assign
environmental inspectors with the duties and responsibilities of controlling environmental pollution. In order to
ensure the implementation of environmental standards and related requirements, inspectors belonging to the
EFCCC or the relevant regional environmental agency are empowered by the Proclamation to enter without prior
notice or court order. Such wide powers derive from Ethiopia's serious concern and commitment to protect the
environment from pollution.

Hazardous Waste Management Proclamation (Pro. No. 1090/2018)

Article 6 states that hazardous waste generator shall have the have the following responsibilities:
 Collect, segregate and dispose or case to be collected, recycled or disposed of hazardous waste
by authorized body;
 Ensure that the container of hazardous waste are properly packed and conspicuously labeled
with Amharic and English language ;
 Keep record on the type and quantity of hazardous waste that exist at the temporary hazardous
waste storage facility and show the record at any time when requested by inspector; and

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 Not to store any hazardous waste at a temporary storage facility for a period exceeding one
month.
Mining Operations Proclamation (Proc. No. 678/2010)
The mining proclamation which was issued in 2010 to promote sustainable mining development is
mining operations Proclamation No. 678/2010 (as amended) that addressed the environmental issues
very well. Sustainable development issue is applicable to the mining activity as well as the
environmental aspect of the operation. This proclamation is amended by Proclamation No. 816/2013.

The more relevant articles to this Study under this Proclamation are article 59, 60, 61 (compensation
issues), article 62 (Environmental Impact Assessment and Rehabilitation Fund); article 63 (Mine
Closure); and article 64 (Remedial Powers of the Licensing Authority).

Proclamation on Expropriation of Landholdings for Public Purposes (Proc. No 1161/2019)

The objective of this proclamation was to define the basic principles that have to be taken into
consideration in determining compensation to a person whose landholding has been expropriated. The
proclamation has established detail procedures setting the time limits within which land could be
acquired after a request is received from a proponent, principles for assessment of compensation for
properties on the land as well as for displacement compensation. The proclamation also empowered the
woreda administration to establish evaluation committee to value private prosperities. Additionally, the
proclamation provided for appeals on the valuation decisions but such action would not delay the
transfer of possession on land to the proposed development activities.

The proclamation has also removed the barriers to planned land acquisition, substantially raised the
amount of compensation payable to expropriated owners of properties and displaced people. In addition
to financial compensation in an amount sufficient to reinstate the displaced people to the economic
position prior to displacement, the relevant local administration is required to give replacement land to
any person who has lost land in favor of a public project. An assessment of compensation does not
include the value of the land itself since land is public property not subject to sale in Ethiopia.

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Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019

This proclamation states that any employer has the obligation to take the necessary measure to
safeguard adequately the health and safety of the workers. Moreover, it states that the employer in
particular should take appropriate steps to ensure that workers are properly instructed and notified
concerning the hazards of their respective occupations and the precautions necessary to avoid accident
and injury to health; ensure that directives are given and also assign safety officer; establish an
occupational, safety and health committee, provide workers with protective equipment, clothing and
other materials and instruct them of its use; register employment accident and occupational diseases;
ensure that the work place and premises do not cause danger to the health and safety of the workers;
take appropriate pre-executions to ensure that all the processes of work shall not be a source or cause of
physical, chemical, biological, ergonomical and psychological hazards to the health and safety of the
workers.

Climate Résilient Green Economy Strategy

To cope with the prevailing environmental problems such as land degradation and climatic hazards
(rainfall fluctuation, increasing temperature, flooding), and speed up its socio-economic development,
the government of Ethiopia has planned a climate-resilient green economy as a development strategy.
This development direction promotes environmental protection, reducing fossil fuel consumption which
releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. With the growing demand for energy with the
increasing population, industrialization and urbanization, the government realized that harnessing clean
and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy sources was critical. It
has indicated that these natural resources would deliver electricity at virtually zero GHG emissions. The
generated electricity is a fundamental enabler of modern economic development from powering cities
and fuelling industrial activity to pumping water for irrigation purposes in agriculture. The government
also decided to increase its income through exporting electric power generated from clean sources to
neighbouring countries.

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Ethiopia has prepared the national biodiversity strategy and action plan as of December 2005. The
current Ethiopian biodiversity strategy and action plan (EBSAP) will address interlinked issues
comprising biodiversity protection and management for food security (poverty reduction), health and
livelihood improvement of the Ethiopian population, especially the rural communities

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(farmers and pastoralists) whose survival depends on the use of natural resources. In parallel, it is the
first attempt to meet the planning requirements of the convention as well as the national biodiversity
conservation needs. It tries to roll into one of the three sequential processes called for under the
convention (the country study, national strategy, and action plan). As such, it provides a brief
assessment of the status and trend of the nation’s biodiversity, outlines strategic goals and objectives,
and identifies a plan of action that outlines co-ordination arrangements and implementation measures.

The goal of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan has been formulated as “Effective
systems are established that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of Ethiopia’s biodiversity,
that provide for the equitable sharing of the costs and benefits arising therefrom, and that contribute
to the well-being and security of the nation.”

Ethiopia’s biodiversity conservation priorities are found in the four strategic objectives:
Representative examples of Ethiopia’s remaining ecosystems are conserved through a network of
effectively managed protected areas;
1. By 2020, all remaining natural ecosystems outside of the protected areas are under sustainable
use management;
2. The costs and benefits of biodiversity conservation are equitably shared through a range of
public, private, community/CBO and NGO partnerships for PA management and for
sustainable use and marketing of biodiversity; and
3. The rich agro-biodiversity of Ethiopia is effectively conserved through a mix of in situ and ex
situ programs.

The strategic objectives are then followed by a much longer list of specific objectives. Each
specific objective will be achieved through a set of individual actions. A timeframe and
performance indicator is defined for each action and institutional responsibilities are proposed.
International Conventions
Ethiopia has ratified different international conventions on natural resources and environmental
management.

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The principles of the 1972 Stockholm Declaration, the rationale underlying ESIA can be identified in
Principle 14, which states: rational planning constitutes is an essential tool for reconciling development
and environment needs. In the same spirit, principle 15 states as ‘’planning must be applied to human
settlements and urbanization with a view to avoiding adverse effects on the environment and opting
maximum social, economic and environmental benefits for all’’.

The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) requires parties to identify categories of activities
which have or are likely to have significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity, to monitor their effects through sampling and other techniques and to require ESIA
of proposed projects that are likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity

The 2000 protocol on biosafety to the convention requires risk assessments to be carried out in respect
to important decisions relating to living modified organisms, in order to identify and evaluate the
possible adverse effects of such organisms on the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The Federal environment, forest and climate
change commission is designated as the focal point for the implementation of the above conventions.

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4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAKEHOLDERS

Federal Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission/EFCCC/

An environmental authority is either EFCCC or regional environmental body that is mandated by a

proclamation provided for the establishment of environmental protection organs (proc. no.295/2002)
and environmental impact assessment proclamation (proc.no.299/2002) and other relevant laws to
oversee and facilitate the implementation or administration of ESIA.
In general, an EFCCC has to check the following responsibilities:
a) The necessary system that contains procedural and technical Study is prepared and
implemented,
b) The public, especially affected communities are given a meaningful opportunity in the EA
process,
c) Views concerns and position of IAPs are taken into account during the assessment,
reviewing, auditing and at all stages of decision making,
d) Identify whether all processes in EA administration is made in a transparent, participatory and
accountable manner,
e) The proponent’s right to appeal and understanding of the process is respected at all times,
f) Incentives structures are prepared to incite and encourage environmental-friendly practices,
g) EA audits are conducted at various stages in the EA process and at the corresponding levels
in the project cycle and a step wise approval is done,
h) Liaison with relevant licensing agencies is maintained,
i) Activities’ schedules are continuously updated,
j) Appeals and grievance are entertained and decisions are communicated in good time,
k) Proponents are provided with advice that help them best comply with the EA requirements,
l) Decisions are made without unnecessary delay and within the time frame stipulated in the
relevant laws and in a manner that improves effectiveness and efficiency, Appropriate support is
made available to build capacity and create awareness on EA, etc.

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Regional Environmental Agencies

In the environmental impact assessment process, the regional environmental agencies or their
equivalent competent authority are responsible to:
 Adopt and interpret federal level EA policies and systems or requirements in line with their
respective local conditions,
 Establish a system for EA of public and private projects, as well as social and economic
development policies, strategies, laws, or programs of regional level functions;
 Inform EPA about malpractices that affect the sustainability of the environment regarding EA
and cooperate with EPA in compliant investigations,
 Administer, oversee, and pass major decisions regarding impact assessment of:
 Project subjected to licensing by regional agency,
 Project subjected to execution by a regional agency, and
 Project likely to have regional impacts.

Regarding projects and activities under the jurisdictions of federal EPA, regional agencies should write
an endorsement letter verifying or confirming that:
 The biophysical and socio-economic baseline conditions are adequately and truly described,
 During scoping major issues are well defined and explicitly indicated in the Term of Reference
(TOR),
 Interested and especially the affected parties or their true representatives are provided with all
means and facilities (e.g. notice, assembly holes, reasonable time, understandable language) that
enable them to adequately air their views and concerns,
 IAPs have agreed to and satisfied with the terms of compensations and the appropriateness of
the EMP,
 The environmental monitoring activities are undertaken in the appropriate time with the
involvement of the IAPs and regular reporting is made in good faith and time to all concerned
bodies,
 The proponent/consultant fulfill the local and regional legal and policy requirements and obtain
the necessary permits,
 The envisaged benefits to that communities and the regions are tangible,

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 The monitoring plan is logical and allows the participation of relevant bodies in the region,
 The strategy for impact communication and reporting was understandable and
appropriate at regional level stakeholders,
 The minutes of the consultation process reflects the true and unbiased accounts of the
opinions and interests of the IAPs at the local level,
 Establish the necessary condition for the creation of awareness on EA, and
 Develop the necessary incentive and disincentive system, etc.

Proponent
A proponent is any person that initiates a project, policy or program, that is, if in the public sector an
organ of government, and the private sector an investor.

A proponent is required to:

Proactively integrate environmental concerns into its social and economic development project,
program, policy, plan or strategic initiative as per the requirements of relevant environmental
laws and directives,
Ensure that positive effects are optimized and strive to promote conservation-based
development and work with objectives of continuous improvement,
Initiate the EA process and create the necessary ground for undertaking EA,
Appoint an eligible independent consulting firm who shall seek to undertake EA ,
Cover all expenses associated with the environmental and social impact assessment. This may
include the costs of:
 Undertaking the EA,
 Public participation process,
 Reviewing ESIA report as the need arise,
 Preparation and implementation of EMP, that include both mitigation and
monitoring measures and the associated institutional and human
resources,
 Closure plan as the case may be,
 Environmental Management System,
 Contingency plan, and
 Reporting, environmental education, etc.

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 Submit to EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency an ESIA report together

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 with the necessary documents requested both in electronic and hard copies,
 Observe the terms and conditions of authorization and work in partnership and
cooperation with all responsible and interested parties,
 Provide the necessary reports for stepwise decisions required for approval of the
proposal,
 Involve all interested and affected parties, and to that effect take all reasonable and
practical measures to notify the latter in good time,
 Establish environmental units to monitor the environmental performance of the project
in a proactive manner to ensure sustainable development,
 Consult relevant government institutions as the case may be,
 Report on regular bases about its environmental performance,
 Establish database and network with all concerned parties, and respect local values and
interests,
 Develop standardize environmental management system, and
 Be familiar with the pertinent EA related stipulations, etc.

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5. BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AREA

a. Introduction
The proposed Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold is located in southwest Ethiopia,
Omo zone, Maji woreda, Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan site., Gara kebele. Which is 606Km from
central Adis Abeba and 157Km from Bonga Town. It is located to the between 6°27′35.8″ north
latitude and 35°18′19.8″ diarrhea, east longitude and 747 m above sea level.
Maji is one of the woredas in the South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region of Ethiopia. Part of
the Bench Maji Zone, Maji is bordered on the south by Surma, on the west by the Gambela
Region, on the north by Guraferda, on the northeast by Meinit Shasha, and on the east by Maji.
Maji was separated from Maji woreda

Figure 4.1 the distance of project area From Addis Abeba

Gold mining potentialIn West Omo zone ,Maji woreda, Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan
site.(project area)

In the wester part of Ethiopia near the Sudanese border lies a place called the West Omo
zone ,Maji woreda, Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan site is of the oldest gold mines in the world
dating back some 6,000 years. The gold mines in West Omo zone ,Maji woreda, Addis-kas
kebele, Kolu-Kan site. provided a key source of gold to the ancient Egyptian empire, whose great
wealth was famous throughout the world. It may even have supplied the Queen of Sheba with her
lavish gifts of gold when she visited King Solomon almost 3,000 years ago. More substantial
exploitation of the region’s riches dates back to the Italian invasion of the 1930s. The Italians
explored the Welega gold district in West Welega, south-east of West Omo zone ,Maji woreda,
Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan site..

Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, believed the country had the potential to
become a global leader in gold. But when the revolutionary Derg government deposed him and
the country plunged into civil war, gold mining disappeared off the agenda for a decade and a
half. It took until the early 2000s before the government started awarding exploration licences. As
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more gold deposits were discovered in the region, foreign companies such as: Oromia regional
state &. Big mountains have been undertaking mining operations since 2008 and are believed to
have minted billions of shillings from the mines, though their lease period has expired. For a long
time since the exit of these companies, the quest for gold has been in the hands of area residents
and other artisanal and small-scale miners who practice it on small-scale. However, their quest is
hindered by many challenges including:

a) Limited access to the deposits;

b) Legal set-ups;
c) Inadequate financial and technical requirements; and
d) Exploitation by middlemen.

Demographics
The West Omo Zone has a population of 272,943 people, accounting for 12% of South West
Ethiopia Peoples' Region, and comprises 49.5% male and 50.5% female in 55,703 households.
60% were pastoral.

Soils of project area

The soils of project area can be classified into five principal types. The first type is composed of
euritic nitosols and andosols and is found on portions of the Western and Eastern highlands.
These soils are formed from volcanic material and, with proper management, have medium to
high potential for rain-fed agriculture. The second group of soils, eutric cambisols and ferric and
orthic luvisols, are found in the Simien plateau of the Western Highlands. They are highly
weathered with a subsurface accumulation of clay and are characterized by low nutrient retention,
surface crusting, and erosion hazards. With proper management, the he third group of soils is the
dark clay found in the Western Lowlands and at the foothills of the Western Highlands.
Composed of vertisols, they have medium to high potential for both food and agriculture but pose
tillage problems because they harden when dry and become sticky when wet. Some of the rich
coffee-growing regions of Ethiopia are found on these soils.

The fourth group is composed of yermosols, xerosols, and other saline soils that cover desert
areas of the Eastern Lowlands and the Denakil Plain. Because of moisture deficiency and coarse
texture, they lack potential for rain-fed agriculture. However, the wetter margins are excellent for
livestock, and even the drier margins respond well to irrigation. The fifth soil group is lithosols
found primarily in the Denakil Plain. Lack of moisture and shallow profile preclude cultivation of
these soils.

Soil erosion is a serious problem in Ethiopia. Particularly in the northern provinces, which have
been settled with sedentary agriculture for millennia, population density has caused major
damage to the soil’s physical base, to its organic and chemical nutrients, and to the natural
vegetation cover. Even on the cool plateaus, where good volcanic soils are found in abundance,
crude means of cultivation have exposed the soils to heavy seasonal rain, causing extensive gully
and sheet erosion.

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Climate

Because the proposed project site is located in the tropical latitudes, its areas of lower elevation
experience climatic conditions typical of tropical savanna or desert. However, relief plays a
significant role in moderating temperature, so higher elevations experience weather typical of
temperate zones. Thus, average annual temperatures in the highlands are in the low 60s F (mid-
10s C), while the lowlands average in the low 80s F (upper 20s C).

There are three seasons in proposed project site. From September to February is the long dry
season known as the bega; this is followed by a short rainy season, the belg, in March and April.
May is a hot and dry month preceding the long rainy season (kremt) in June, July, and August.
The coldest temperatures generally occur in December or January (bega) and the hottest in
March, April, or May (belg). However, in many localities July has the coldest temperatures
because of the moderating influence of rainfall.

The proposed project site can be divided into four rainfall regimes. Rain falls year-round in the
southern portions of the Western Highlands, where annual precipitation may reach 80 inches
(2,000 mm). Summer rainfall is received by the Eastern Highlands and by the northern portion of
the Western Highlands; annual precipitation there may amount to 55 inches (1,400 mm). The
Eastern Lowlands get rain twice a year, in April–May and October–November, with two dry
periods in between. Total annual precipitation varies from 20 to 40 inches (500 to 1,000 mm).
The driest of all regions is the Denakil Plain, which receives less than 20 inches (500 mm) and
sometimes none at all.

Plant and animal life

Proposed project site’s natural vegetation is influenced by four biomes. The first is savanna,
which, in wetter portions of the Western highlands, consists of montane tropical vegetation with
dense, luxuriant forests and rich undergrowth. Drier sections of savanna found at lower elevations
of the Western and Eastern Highlands contain tropical dry forests mixed with grassland. The
second biome is mountain vegetation; it comprises montane and temperate grasslands and covers
the higher altitudes of the Western and Eastern highlands. The third biome, tropical thickets and

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wooded steppe, is found in the Rift Valley and Eastern Lowlands. The fourth biome is desert
steppe vegetation, which covers portions of the Denakil Plain.

Omo River valley, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has had a rich variety of wildlife that in some cases has been reduced to a few
endangered remnants. Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and wild buffalo are
rarities, especially in northern Ethiopia. The Rift Valley, the Omo River valley, and the Western
Lowlands contain remnants of big-game varieties. Smaller game varieties such as foxes, jackals,
wild dogs, and hyenas are found abundantly throughout the country.

Uniquely Ethiopian and among the most endangered species are the walia ibex of the Simien
Mountains, the mountain nyala (a kind of antelope), and the Simien jackal. In addition,
the gelada monkey is under threat. All four species are found in the Western and Eastern
highlands in numbers ranging from a few hundred for the walia ibex to a few thousand for the
others. More-abundant varieties found in the lowlands include such antelopes as the oryx, the
greater kudu, and the waterbuck, various types of monkeys including the black-and-white colobus
(known as guereza in Ethiopia and hunted for its beautiful long-haired pelt), and varieties of wild
pig. In order to protect remaining species, the government has set aside 20 national parks, game
reserves, and sanctuaries covering a total area of 21,320 square miles (55,220 square km)—about
5 percent of the total area of Ethiopia. Simien Mountains National Park, home to several
endangered species, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.

People,Ethnic groups and languages

West Omo or Mirab Omo is a Zone in the Ethiopian South West Ethiopia Peoples'
Region. West Omo is located at Ethiopia’s southern margin,
where Maji and Surma woredas are bordering Kenya, encompassing the area to the
west of the Omo River. The area is dominantly inhabited by the Dizi, Suri and Me'enit
communities. West Omo Zone has seven districts and 116 kebeles (112 rural and 4
urban). The West Omo Zone has a population of 272,943 people, accounting for 12%
of South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region, and comprises 49.5% male and 50.5% female
in 55,703 households. 60% were pastoral. Maji is one of the woredas in the South
West Ethiopia Peoples' Region of Ethiopia. Part of the Bench Maji Zone, Maji is
bordered on the south by Surma, on the west by the Gambela Region, on the north
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by Guraferda, on the northeast by Meinit Shasha, and on the east by Maji. Maji was
separated from Maji woreda. West omo zone Maji worda, Trade, industry & enterprise market
development office organized, legalized & licensed the Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small
scale Gold mining Industry and has been owned 10 hectare or 100,000m2 land lease. Then further
analyzing by different stockholder for environmental issue.

NO X-coordinate Y-coordinate
1. 795047 642417
2. 795281 642271
3. 795439 642552
4. 795135 642734

Figure 4.1 map of the study area

. Economic Activities
Farmers depend on sesame farming as their major source of income in West Omo and Bench
Sheko zones. However, they face diverse marketing challenges to deliver their product to the

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market. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the variables that affect sesame market supply
in West Omo and Bench Sheko zones. The study’s data were gathered from primary and
secondary sources. Multistage random sampling was employed to select 270 sample sesame
producers. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics as well as econometric models.
Multiple regression model results showed that total livestock unit, sesame farming experience,
cooperative membership, family size, land under sesame, annual off-farm income, participation in
training, and distance to the nearest market significantly affected the amount of sesame supplied
to the market. The study recommends strengthening sesame producer cooperative, promoting
experience sharing among experienced farmers, improving transportation accessibility and
infrastructure development, increasing productivity by fortifying extension service providers, and
encouraging sesame producers to participate actively in various trainings.
Rain fall
The average annual rainfall for West omo is 685mm (27"). the rainfall distribution pattern
of the study area is experiencing a unimodal rainfall pattern with continuous highest
rain from March to October
The annual average temperature in West omo ranges from 20°C to 40°C, and the
annual rainfall varies between 1200 mm and 2000 mm. Similarly, the Sheka
Zone experiences an annual average temperature of 15.1°C to 27.5°C and an annual
mean rainfall of 1201 mm to 1800 mm. . These regions have suitable agro-ecology
and vegetation cover for livestock production

Temperature
Average temperatures for West omo Zone:

Month Min Temp Max Temp

January 19.9°C (67.8°F) 32.9°C (91.2°F)

February 21.0°C (69.8°F) 34.0°C (93.2°F)

March 21.4°C (70.5°F) 33.4°C (92.1°F)

April 20.7°C (69.2°F) 30.8°C (87.4°F)

May 20.2°C (68.4°F) 29.5°C (85.1°F)

June 20.2°C (68.4°F) 29.4°C (85.0°F)

July 20.2°C (68.3°F) 28.9°C (84.0°F)

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Month Min Temp Max Temp

August 20.3°C (68.6°F) 29.5°C (85.1°F)

Septembe
20.8°C (69.4°F) 30.8°C (87.4°F)
r

October 20.1°C (68.3°F) 30.4°C (86.7°F)

November 19.4°C (66.9°F) 30.0°C (86.1°F)

December 19.0°C (66.3°F) 30.9°C (87.7°F)

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Plate 2.1: Fallow land and residential houses to the West of the proposed site

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2.1.1 Physical and social infrastructure

Electricity is supplied by the Ethiopia Power. However, some institutions have opted to the installation of
back- up generators to supplement the Ethiopia Power supply especially in times of power black-outs.
Water in the area is supplied by Young International Water Project (YIWP). Water is trapped on the slopes
of Addis-kas kebele Hills and flows in pipes to homes by gravity. Most homes, offices and
business

2.1.2 Business activities

Many business operations are concentrated in urban areas and along the roads. Business entrepreneurs
licensed in the formal sector include catering, retail, motor vehicle repairs, wholesale, manufacturing,
welding, bar and restaurant, distribution, bakeries and export-import activities. The informal sector is
widespread in the county and it contributes considerably to the growth of the area’s economy. However,
the sector requires intensive promotion since it uses affordable and readily available technology and is
among the sectors, which offer most of the employment opportunities within the urban areas.

2.1.3 Agriculture

Southwest Regional State is endowed with highly diversified natural resources, particularly a large
expanse of arable land, ample rainfall, fertile soil, and plenty of surface and groundwater, which renders
the region best suited for agricultural development. Despite the presence of abundant natural resources,
the livelihood of people in the region is subsistence and, hence, a strong vulnerability to food shortage.
This is mainly due to low agricultural productivity, resulting from traditional farming, low capacity
(both human and physical), limited availability and use of agricultural technologies and extension
services, high post-harvest losses, and weak linkages among the various development actors in the
region (public, private and non-governmental institutions). Agricultural development in Southwest
region, therefore, requires interventions that address the challenges and ensure sustainable utilization of
the natural resources through technology-assisted sector transformation. In the process of preparation of
the transformation document, the main challenges of key agricultural commodities across the value
chain and intervention areas in line with the selected commodities were identified, grouped, and
prioritized to address the root causes of the vicious circle of low agricultural productivity, inadequate
food supplies, low income and perpetual poverty in the region. Priority crops (important for food
security, job creation, industrial inputs, and export earnings) in the region include rice, maize, soybean,
mango, and banana. Similarly, priority commodities selected from the livestock and fishery sectors are
cattle (dairy and meat), fishery, goats, poultry, and apiculture. The agricultural transformation agenda is
built upon the following seven pillars, principally targeting the ten commodities selected from the crop,
livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture sub-sectors. • Transformation of technology generation/adaptation
services • Transformation of agricultural inputs supply for target commodities • Transformation of
agricultural mechanization and irrigation schemes • Transformation of commercialization and
marketing system.

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2.2 Ecological environment

Southwest is home to a stunning mosaic of ecosystems, including pristine areas of highland forests to the
east and the expansive Duma wetland to the west. These ecosystems host some of the world's rarest
species, including the Nile lechwe antelope and the endangered Shoebill stork . There are neither wildlife
sanctuaries nor rare, endangered and endemic species at or within a radius of 3 Km from the proposed
project sites. The ecology of the project area is however very rich in flora and fauna diversity and is typical
of modified equatorial-type vegetation. There are 6 No. gazetted forest reserves in Addis-kas kebele
County covering a total area of about 54,487.4 Ha. The largest reserves are North Addis-kas kebele Forest,
North Maji woreda, Addis-kas kebele, Kolu-Kan site., Addis-kas kebeleForest and South Addis-kas kebele
Forest. The area has both exotic and indigenous vegetation. Trees in homesteads are used mainly for shade,
boundary demarcation, fencing, production of fruits, timber, fuel wood and for ornamental purposes. These
trees include Eucalyptus spp, Markhamia lutea, Cupressus lusitanica, Bischovia javonica, Spathodea
nilotica, Croton megalocarpus, Pinus sp, Persea americana, Syzygium guminii and Eryobotria japonica.
Shrubs include Lantana camara, Tethonia diversifolia and Solanum incanum.

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6. PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Projects design and components
a) Mining

Underground operations will be carried out using conventional underground Resue mining and deep
shaft mining methods suitable for narrow vein mining. Resue mining is a method of mining that allows
split face firing within stops to allow waste and ore to be mined separately, allowing dilution to be
minimized. The proponent will operate a raising and wincing system and typical stopping techniques
when mining. Ore will be mined through drilling and blasting. The pit and part of the tunnel were made
by the foreign companies that operated in the area during the precolonial and colonial period. The
Proponent’s activities include searching gold through this tunnel by digging it further. It is from this
tunnel that the gold ore is extracted. The tunnel is made horizontally from the pit at 50 m depth.

b. Material input in mining and processing gold

Usage of materials has both beneficial and adverse impacts on the environment. Both on-site and off-
site impacts are anticipated from extraction, acquisition and usage material. The most common of these
impacts are income circulation in the economy, creation of employment opportunities, off-site depletion
of materials, land degradation, pollution, excessive demand on materials and health hazards.

a) Mining of the gold ore

Gold mining is done manually. Men enter the pit from which they enter the tunnels in search for quartz,
the ore that contains gold. A pulley system is used to help the people easily get into and out of the pit.
One person sits in a container that is supported by a rope on the pulley system and is assisted by another
person who controls the pulley from top of the pit to slowly get into and out of the pit. They extract the
ore using simple tools such as chisels and shovels and load the ore in metallic containers for ease of
transportation from the underground. The gold ore is then packed into sacks and then transported to the
crushers.

b) Crushing the mined ore

Big particles of the gold ore are broken down with a mallet to sizeable pieces before they are taken to a
crusher. The amount of the mineral in the mined ore differs. Sometimes the rock that is extracted
contains no gold at all. The crushed particles are put into the crusher and ground into fine powder that
can easily be processed to extract the precious metal.

c) Sieving of dirt and impurities

The fine dust from the crusher is taken for sieving where the powder is mixed with water to make a
slurry that is put on sieves elevated on inclined bench-like supports. The sieves allow the dirt to be
removed by drawing them with jugs leaving behind an impure gold that drops into metallic pans. The
dirt is collected in shallow wells that are dug at the site.

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d) Transporting

Mined ore will be loaded into hoppers, which will run on a rail system to mining shafts. The ore will be
tipped into ore shoots/boxes from which it will be loaded into skips, which will host the ore to surface.
Mined ore will be delivered by tractors and trailers to the main ore bin, from which it travels on conveyors
to a series of gyro and jaw crushers.
e) Crushing
The ore will be withdrawn from the ore and crushed by a gyro crusher and a series of three jaw crushers.
After each crusher, material is fed over a vibrating screen; large particles are returned for re- crushing, and
fine material that passes through the screens progresses towards the next crusher and eventually on to the
mill feed bin.
f) Milling
The ore will be fed from the crushing line into the ball mill where it will be ground with steel balls. Inlet
dilution water will be added to the mill feed chute to control mill slurry density. The ball mill will then
discharge the resultant slurry via a trammel screen to the gravity concentrator. Any material not
collected in the concentrator will be pumped to a cyclone at the head of the CIP plant and treated with
GDA.

g) Gravity Circuit

Ore particles will be subjected to a force of 60 gravities in a fluidization process in a Site Concentrator.
When the concentration cycle is complete, concentrates will be flushed from the cone into the
concentrate launder through a patented multi-port.

h) Thickening

The tails will empty to a tank and process water will be added before being pumped to 100mm cyclone.
The cyclone will classify the mill product into two fractions. The overflow fraction will then be directed
to a trash removal screen and then to a high thickener. The underflow fraction will be controlled
manually by opening or closing the thickener drain valve to attain the desired pulp density. The
thickened pulp will be pumped to the No 1 Carbon in Leach (CIL) tank.

i) CIL/CIP-Carbon in Pulp Leaching

GDA solution will be added into the No1. CIL tank. To assist in the leaching process, hydrogen
peroxide will be added. Slurry overflows from the mechanically agitated leach tank through six
mechanically agitated CIL tanks to ensure complete dissolution as a complex GDA solution and
adsorption onto activated carbon. Carbon recovered on the screen will be delivered to a bulk bag for re-
use. Tailings discharging from the tailings linear will gravitate to the tailings section.

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j) Tailings

Tailing slurry passing through the CIL tailings screen gravitates via pipes to the tailings dam in the
immediate vicinity of the plant. Water on the tailings dam gravitates via a penstock into a return water
pond from which return water is pumped to the plant for re-use.

k) Refining

Concentrates from the Site concentrator and elations extracted from the pregnant carbon are further
refined.
The project components are 3 No. leaching tanks (Each tank will be 4.8 meters in width and 2.3 meters
in height), a general house that will have a chemical store, a laboratory, and column chambers, a
solution tank deck, a raw water reserve tank and a barren mixing tank.

c. Description of the proposed project activities

Gold dressing by use of Gold Dressing Agent is a hydrometallurgical technique for extracting gold from
low grade ore by converting the gold to a soluble coordination complex. Water is added to the tailings
to produce a slurry. The process will involve bleaching gold tailings using tank leaching process. In the
process, tailings are loaded into the tanks, once full the tanks are flooded with a leaching solution in this
case GDA. The solution drains from the tank, and is either recycled back into the tanks or pumped to
the next step of the recovery process. The leach units are either cyclical or rectangular containers
(drums, barrels, tanks or vats), usually very big and made of wood or concrete, lined with material
resistant to the leaching media. This process works by exposing the surface of the finely crushed ore to
the GDA solution. Once exposed to the gold, the solution binds with ions in the gold that allows them to
separate out into solution and then be screened for collection.
It is well-known that the introduction of more oxygen speeds up the leaching process but it is not often
done in a mill out of cost concerns. Different elements in the ore itself can wreak havoc on the process
and significantly hurt the effectiveness of the process. The process is sequential to maximize the contact
time between the ore and the reagent. In such a series the leachate collected from one tank is added to
another tank with fresher tailings. The tanks are equipped with agitators to keep the solids in suspension
and improve the solid to liquid to gas contact. Agitation is further assisted by the use of tank baffles to
increase the efficiency and prevent centrifuging of slurries in circular tanks. Five steps will be involved
in this process;
i. Step One: This step will involve mixing the tailings with GDA solution. Hydrogen peroxide
will be used as a catalyst in the process. Use of lime (caustic soda) will be considered in order to
make the GDA solution less toxic by improving the pH.
ii. Step Two: At this stage, the slurry will be left to flow by gravity to each of the 10 tanks.
iii. Step Three: The slurry is then compressed and directed to the carbon house and column. It is in
the carbon house and column that the gold granules are segregated from the slurry. The carbon is
used to separate gold from the slurry.
iv. Step Four: The slurry is further directed to the barren tank. At this stage, fresh water is pumped
into the barren tank by two motorized fresh water pumps and the slurry is further pushed into the

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raised 10,000 liter tank for recycling.

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v. Step Five: From the 10,000 liter tank, the slurry is once again recycled and flows by gravity
once again into the leach tanks. The proponent intends to be replacing slurry after every one
month.

d. Facilities, utilities, amenities and services facilitating activities at the site

a) Most equipment and machinery are diesel-powered. These include the generator, the ore crusher
and the compressor. Other equipment such as the pulley system, the chisels and the shovels are
manually-driven. There is minimal usage of electricity and electricity for this purpose is
obtained from a diesel-powered generator. Electricity is mostly used in lighting the workshop
and in running the water pump.
b) Water for use in gold leasing processing is tapped from the Addis-kas kebele Hills and conveyed
in pipes by gravity to the site. Potable water for use by the workers is drawn from a nearby
protected spring that is also used by the community. Pure/fresh water that is used in the final
gold purification process to dissolve salts from the gold is purchased from laboratories.
c) There are several pit latrines at the site for all the workers. Most of the casual workers are drawn
from the area.

e. Chemical Formula
a) Gold Dressing Agent (GDA)

Currently, more than 85% of gold-ore dressing enterprises all over the world use sodium cyanide for
gold extraction. As sodium cyanide is a kind of virulent and dangerous chemical, environmental
pollution, malignant poisoning as well as different kinds of events with social feat sometimes occur
during the processes of transportation, safekeeping and use. Sodium cyanide causes fear among
competent authorities or citizens living around the production base. The use of sodium cyanide has
been banned in many countries and regions in the world. Competent authorities, gold mining
enterprises or citizens living around the production base are all looking forward to an environmental
protection ore-dressing product which can replace the sodium cyanide in gold mining to deal with the
detriment brought to human living environment by development of the gold-metallurgy industry. Due
to this issue, Gold Dressing Agent (GDA) has been invented and supplied as a possible substitute.

GDA is an eco-friendly gold leaching reagent that can replace sodium cyanide without changing the
original equipment and cyanide process. It can be used directly for gold ore beneficiation and refining.
Compared with the traditional leaching agent, it can achieve targets of green and environmental
protection with no severe accidents.

b) The chemical reaction

The following are the composition of GDA

1) Sodium hydroxide – pH modifier

2) Sodium silicate – Depressant
3) Thiourea – Leaching agent

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The dissolution of gold by thiourea involves the formation of single cationic species of gold by
thiourea in an acid medium according to the reaction;

AUO + 2C (NH2)2 ` AU {CS (NH2)2}2+ + e- (Gold thiourea complex)

During the ion exchange process, this single cation gold species (gold thiourea complex) is exchanged
for the cationic groups on the resin.

The general ion exchange reaction is represented as:

RN.H+ + AU[CS(NH2)2]2+ RN.AU [CS(NH2)2]2++ H+

c) Mechanism of gold dissolving in alkaline thiourea

Reaction mechanism of gold dissolving in alkaline thiourea solution was studied by electro-chemical
methods; such as cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, acimpedence, linear sweep voltammetry.

In alkaline thiourea solution, gold dissolving mechanism undergoes the following courses;

Adsorption of thiourea on electrode surfaces, charge transfer from gold atom to thiourea molecules,
AU [SC(NH )2 ]2 +2 ads receiving thiourea molecules and forming stable + AU [CS(NH 2) ] +, and then
AU [SC(NH2)2]2+ diffusing away from the electrode surface to solution.

d) Product Advantages

High-tech products: It is the world's first high-tech products to replace sodium cyanide for gold
beneficiation.
 Low toxicity and environmental protection: the product is non-combustible, non-explosive, non-
oxidant risk, non-radioactive, low-toxic, belongs to ordinary chemical product which are
environmentally safe
 Stable performance: it can reduce the interference of harmful substances such as Arsenal and
sulfur.
 Strong applicability: it is suitable for heap leaching, pool leaching and Carbon in Pulp (CIP)
process of oxidized gold and silver ore. The scale can be large or small, and it is more suitable
for large-scale heap leaching.
 High leaching rate: it can leach the gold ions effectively and can achieve faster with higher
recovery rate than using sodium cyanide.
 Faster recycling: compared with using sodium cyanide, the heaping process is shorter and the
recovery is faster.
 Lower cost: it can reduce costs such as purchasing, transportation, warehousing, storage, usage,
safety and environmental protection facilities.
 Easy to use: the production process is consistent with the condition that have been used in the
past while using GDA, which makes it easy to adopt and promote.
 Easy to transport: it is an ordinary cargo and can be transported by air, sea, road or rail.
e) Operating Instruction
Ingredients: Sodium oxide, nitrogen, ammonium, calcium, iron
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Usage: While being used, the non-cyanide gold extraction reagent must be agitated with alkaline water
at normal temperature (23o), and then dissolved in a slurry to do gold leaching. In the process of heap
leaching, pool leaching and CIP production of oxidized gold ore, the process is as same as the process

of using sodium cyanide. The pregnant solution and the lean solution in production can be reused, and
the most stable material in pregnant solution gold leaching is activated carbon. The leaching effect of
gold is best when the ambient temperature is above 10 °C.

Alkalinity: It generally uses lime and caustic soda to adjust and maintain the PH value to 10 ~ 12. After
the raw ore is piled up or into the pool, it should return water to adjust the alkalinity to PH value 11±1.

Dosage: The dosage is about 0.5 to 1.0 parts per thousand (500-1000 g of ton of ore). The property,
grade and pH of the ore affect the dosage. The actual dosage can be calculated according to the
concentration of the solution.

Dosing method: It can be used after being fully dissolved in water at normal temperature (usually the
dissolution in flowing water or after sufficient agitation would be accelerated) continuously flush the
non-cyanide gold extraction reagent into the medicine pool (lean solution pool) or put it into the
medicine tank to dissolve. If it is a heap leaching process, dosing and spraying can be carried out
simultaneously.

Effects of use and precaution

Inhalation of a small amount of dust will not cause significant harm to human body, excessive
inhalation or long-term inhalation of dust can cause respiratory system mild irritation and lead to lung
injury. The site of production, storage and use should be kept ventilation, during the process of
production and use should use dust mask to avoid excessive inhalation of dust.

Direct contact should be avoided to prevent physical damage. Skin contact with this product does not
affect health, but will stimulate the broken skin causing inflammation. In view of good industrial
hygiene, any chemical contact should be kept to a minimum and good personal protection. The product
is expected a harmful can not to Ingestion. Ingestion will irritation the mouth and digestive tract, after
ingestion will have vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite．

Generally it is not hazardous in normal handling, however good laboratory practices should always be
used. Avoid long term exposure to skin or by inhalation. Inhalation: Inhaled, should move to fresh air
immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen, get
medical help. Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, and use a lot of clean water and soap and
other anti-pollution products thoroughly clean. If infection of wound and cause injury should seek
medical treatment in time. Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes,
occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids .Get medical aid. Swallow: A small amount of water
into the mouth rinse with water, excessive eating vomit after drink enough water, milk or egg white, and
timely seek medical help. When a small amount of leakage occurs, clean the spill directly into the
package bag or other processing containers. Large leak: When a large leak occurs, should be isolate the
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leakage area, restrict staff and livestock access. Processing personnel wear protective equipment to
recycle the spill to the related packaging container. With a shovel to put the material into a convenient
waste disposal container. To complete the water cleaning polluted surface, and to allow the evacuation
of the health system. Use of the product should pay attention to the operation personnel protection
measures, wear goggles, masks and gloves. When processing pay attention to personal hygiene, do not
eat, drink or smoke. In handling process pay attention to the protection of the packaging is not damaged,
as far as possible to avoid dust, to avoid the operator excessive inhalation Storage: This product is non-
flammable, strong stability, and has no strict requirements on the storage conditions, and can be stored
in a cool, ventilated and dry place according to the general goods. Don’t store with acidic product.

This product reacting with a strong acid will produce harmful gases, prohibited the use or storage
together with strong acid. The product itself is relatively stable, usually does not decompose. However,
in the case of high temperature or with the reaction of reactive chemicals may be decomposed to
produce harmful substances.

Normal use is harmless for water organisms and water environment. The possibility of short-term
degradation of harmful products is not high. In the process of production and use, avoid the waste piled
up in the drinking water source. Disposal must be done as per the NEMA regulations.

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SPECIAL

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IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I I I I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—hzL

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIfIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

...........................................................................................................

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Gyrocrusher ==

Barrier controlling dam and

treating excess water from

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rain

Excess water

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7. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

a. Introduction

The purpose of this section is to examine feasible alternatives to the proposed project. The benefits of
the proposed project will be considered against any potential environmental cost. The general principle
involved in identifying alternative option(s) to a proposed development is to ensure that the option
chosen results in optimal social, environmental and capital benefits not only for the developer, but also
for the environment and stakeholders in the area. This section is critical in consideration of an ideal or
near-ideal project with minimal environmental disturbance. The alternatives to the inputs and
technologies are;

i) Thiourea
ii) Thiocyanate
iii) Halogens/Halides
iv) Bisulphide
v) Ammonia
vi) Use of lime based cyanide for leaching

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Table 5.1: Proposed alternative inputs for the proposed project

Alternative Advantages Disadvantages

Cyanide  Cost effective  The pH of the slurry with cyanide must be maintained between 11
 Easy to apply and 12
 Can release HCN if the pH falls below 11.HCN is extremely toxic
especially for aquatic life
 Highly toxic especially to aquatic life
 Its use has been banned
Thiourea  Proven technology  Recyclable only to limited extent due to instability
 Ready Available  Detoxification costs would be considerable
 Suitable for refractory ores  Difficult to control process parameters
 Consumption can be reduced by redox control  Limited applicability
 Fast rate of gold dissolution  It is a known carcinogenic
Thiosulphate  Ready Available  Recyclable only to limited extent due to instability
 Suitable for refractory/ preg -robbing ores not amenable to  Detoxification costs would be considerable
cyadination  Difficult to control the process
 Good leaching performance 99%  Limited thiosulphate leaching is a sensitive process that requires
 Like cyanide, thiosulphate leaching is an alkaline process (usually both dependent and independent optimization of each of the
operated in the pH 8 to 10 range) so there are no concerns with chemical components of the leach reaction, as well as physical
corrosion and materials used in construction, and the process can be parameters such as pulp density and temperature, in order to
applied to heaps and dumps, or to stirred tanks. maximize gold recovery and minimize reagent losses.
 It can yield substantially better recovery than cyanide.
 It has great potential to reduce the impact on the environment
compared to the cyadination process.
 The main chemical components of the leaching process (ammonium
thiosulphate and ammonium sulphate) are common fertilizers, which
opens up the additional possibility of using mine tailings solutions in
agricultural applications, in regions of the world where the local
infrastructure and environmental regulations are favorable.

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Thiocyanate  Can operate over a wide pH range  Availability limited

 Partly recyclable  No large scale applications known
 Detoxification costs would be considerable
 Higher temperatures required
Halogens/  Readily available  Requires oxidant. (often of halide)
Halides  Leach performance is good  Handling and control difficult
 Proven technology in refining gold
 Suitable for most ore types
Bisulphide The availability and reasonable price of bisulphide and its sources  Long retention times and closed system, that would probably be
indicate reasonable extraction economics required, would mean high capital investment costs for such a leach
plant.
 The operating costs considering detoxification, however, would be
very high, because a high chemical oxygen demand would again be
necessary
 Compared to cyanide, bisulphide does not offer any major technical
advantages nor does it have such favorable lethal toxicity and
ecotoxicity data to warrant a more favorable classification with
regard to safe handling or environmental damage in the case of a
spillage
Ammonia  Availability  No large scale applications known
 Recyclable  Not detoxiafiable, must be recycled
 Could be suitable for refractory ores  Requires high temperatures and pressures for acceptable leach
performance

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b. Conclusion

From the alternatives mentioned above, the developer is advised to combine the following project
alternatives:

i) Use thiosulphate in the process. It has great potential to reduce the negative impact on the
environment compared to the cyanidation process
ii) Ensure the project is located at least 100 meters from the nearest residential houses
iii) Treat cyanide solution with lime to make it less toxic
iv) The developer should plant trees and other vegetation around the project site. This would assist
to naturally detoxify any toxic waste that may be washed by runoff.

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8. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

a. Introduction

The environmental baseline information collected and the project characteristics discussed form the
basis for impact identification and evaluation. Assessment of impacts depends on the nature and
magnitude of the activities being undertaken as well as the type of environmental control measures that
are envisaged as part of the project proposal. The impacts that are expected to arise from the proposed
project could either be termed as positive or negative, direct or indirect, short-term or long-term,
temporary or permanent depending on their nature, area of coverage and their duration in the
environment. Impacts have been identified and discussed in all phases of the proposed project cycle;
establishment, operational and decommissioning.

b. Potential adverse impacts during the establishment phase

During the construction phase, the main impacts will be related to vegetation, water and soil and on
extraction and/or usage of materials.

a) Impacts on vegetation, water and soil

1. Assessment

The impacts on vegetation and soil were born from removal and disturbance of vegetation, movement
of people and machinery, excavation and compaction. These impacts are localized but could spread
depending on how the project is managed. The effects of these impacts are discussed below.

a. Removal and disturbance of flora

Some of the plants that were present at the site were cleared in order to pave way for the construction of
the leaching plant. Movement of vehicles, machines and people on vegetation will result in additional
damage to plants because pressure will be exerted on the plants by the heavy vehicles, machines and
people and will interfere with biological processes in the plants and could also lead to death of the
plants. In addition, with the removal and/or death of fauna:

i. There is loss of valuable food and shelter for arthropods and

other small animals whose life is depended on these plants for
shelter and food leading to their eventual death and/or
displacement.
ii. Soil erosion and siltation are aggravated.
iii. Habitats of some animals are altered and/or destroyed.

b. Excavation

Excavation just like clearance of vegetation alters and/or destroys habitats of organisms. It also results
into loose soil which is prone to both water and wind erosion. Eroded soil silts water bodies and can
flood downstream areas. Loosening of soil interferes with soil structure. Most of the excavated soil will

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be utilized at the site to adjust levels where necessary. However, if excess soil is not properly disposed,
it results into nuisance as a solid waste, dust and silt.

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c. Compaction

As vehicles, machines and people move on ground, soil is compacted. Compaction has the undesired
effect of hindering air and water penetration beneath the soil surface and thus limiting aerobic processes
of soil-dwelling organisms which lowers soil productivity. When water penetration into the soil is
interfered with, surface run-off during the rains is enhanced resulting in soil erosion and siltation.
Compaction become significant if land used for cultivation is used for movement of vehicles. From the
assessment, no agricultural pieces of land are used as access roads.

2. Mitigation

There was no encroachment into road reserves and other private or public properties at the time the site
was being established. The project area is properly demarcated and the construction works and
associated activities are restricted to the demarcated area. In addition to this, the proponent is advised to:

(a) Re-establish vegetation in some parts of the site through implementation of a well-designed
landscaping programme by planting of appropriate plants.
(b) Rip-off areas within and outside the site where compaction will have adversely affected to allow
aeration of soil and ease infiltration of water into the soil.
(c) Use excess soil especially the tailings in filling road potholes or hollow areas at the site among
many other uses.

b) Extraction and/or usage of materials

1. Assessment

The proposed project will require significant amounts of materials including structural support posts and
poles, cement, sand and gravel among others. Fuel will be consumed indirectly through machines. The
overall environmental impacts become significant if the amounts required are so large. Many
construction materials are components of natural resources and their extraction has an effect of
depleting land resources alongside subsequent off-site degradation of the environment.

2. Mitigation

(a) The project and material requirements will be evaluated and quantified to ensure that the design
optimizes the use of materials.
(b) Proper planning of transportation of materials will ensure that products of fossil fuels (diesel and
petrol) are not excessively consumed.

c) Safety at the construction sites

Approved and licensed specialists will be contracted to be in charge of specialized operations at the
construction sites. These specialists shall put the following in place in order to ensure safety at the site:

(a) Fence the construction site with iron sheets supported on wooden posts to ensure privacy and
security and to reduce interference with activities in the neighbourhood.
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(b) Supervise all specialty works at the site.

(c) Adopt proper working procedures when handling tasks and when working with machines and
equipment.

(d) Keep all passages clear at all times.

(e) All workers must wear appropriate PPE.
(f) Put in place an appropriate emergency response plan including having emergency telephone
numbers (such as ambulance, fire tender and police) properly displayed at places where
everybody at the site can see them.
(g) Support all structures under construction.
(h) Remove all soil, boulders and other heavy materials from the edges of excavations.
(i) Remove and dispose all wastes in designated areas whenever they are produced.

c. Impacts cutting across phases

The following impacts will adversely affect the environment in two or all of the project phases.

a) Air pollution from associated chemical reaction

1. Assessment

Due to the chemical processes going on the pH of the slurry is likely to go down thus affecting the
leaching process. The pH should be maintained at between at the values of 11 and 12. If the pH falls
below 11, there is the danger of the associated chemical reactions where gases are being released.

2. Mitigation

a) Use lime to maintain the slurry pH at between 11 and 12 values

b) All the employees to wear PPE including masks, helmets overcoats and appropriate foot ware
c) Ensure the tanks are well maintained to prevent leakage of the slurry which may emit foul smell

b) Air pollution (vapours, exhaust emissions and dust)

1. Assessment

Air quality pollutants range from bad odours to toxic hazards and include smells of rotting organic/food
wastes, sewer emissions, tobacco smoke and allergens such as moulds. Air pollution from dust is also a
common problem in gold processing sites. These dust emissions result from the loading and offloading
the tailings. Vehicles especially coming in and out of the site also pose a risk of dust production and
exhaust emission. Exposure to gold and soil dust results in silicosis, respiratory disorders, chest
problems and many other diseases (Alpers, 2000).

2. Mitigation

The machinery and equipment at the site are repaired when they break in order to increase working
efficiency. In addition:

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a) Dispose the tailings and other wastes regularly to prevent them from accumulating at the site.
b) Provide workers in areas concentrated with exhaust emissions, dust and fumes with nose masks
covering the mouth and the nose; and goggles to protect the eyes.
c) Run and service/maintain machinery and vehicles regularly according to the manufacturer’s
instructions in order to ensure efficiency in working.
d) Use appropriate fuel that is free from adulteration.

e) Sprinkle water on all dust-active areas to suppress dust and/or pave or apply non-toxic soil
stabilizers on all unpaved access roads and Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold
Mining Industrying areas.
f) Sprinkle water to earthen and dusty ground before sweeping to prevent dust production.
g) Supervise activities at the site especially burning and sweeping.
h) Regularly check and clean or repair areas perceived to be sources of air pollution such as
manholes.
i) Advice workers to adhere to instruction for use of air polluting agents. For instance “DO NOT
USE IN CONFINED PLACES”, “DO NOT INHALE FUMES” etc.
j) Advice workers to ensure indoor ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans to
allow good air circulation into and out of the stalls and offices.
k) Where possible cover all trucks hauling loose material including the gold tailings with tarpaulin
and/or requiring these trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard.

c) Noise and vibrations

1. Assessment

Noise has an impact on the life and health of people whether within or outside any surrounding.
Exposure to noise pollution above 60 dBA (can be transmitted to over 20 m away) can affect mood and
quality of sleep and can result in stress. Such noise can also result in auditory fatigue (buzzing and
ringing in the ear). Exposure to levels beyond 90 dBA (can be transmitted to over 30 m away)
represents a hazard to hearing which can also result in moderate to severe deafness. Noise also
interferes with communication and is itself a nuisance and therefore lowers working morale. The main
sources of noise at the leaching plant are the generator, the compressor and the vehicular movements.
The generator, the compressor and the vehicular movements also produce vibrations. Noise and
vibrations are considered significant if the project results in a substantial temporary or permanent
increase in ambient levels in the project vicinity especially above levels existing without the project;
and exposure of persons to the noise and vibrations. Vibrations can weaken adjacent buildings resulting
into cracking of their walls. Construction noise and vibrations are short-term impacts. During the
operation phase, noise will not be a major concern due to the nature of the facility unless when carrying
out repair works.

2. Mitigation

a) Minimize noise at the sites and in the surrounding areas by:

i) Sensitizing drivers and machine operators to switch off their engines while they are not in

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use especially when offloading and loading materials and to avoid hooting especially when
passing near noise-sensitive areas such as health facilities, educational institutions, worship
places and residential areas among other noise-restricted areas;
ii) Placing some noisy equipment such as generators in sound-proof rooms or in enclosures to
minimize ambient noise; and
iii) Properly servicing and tuning construction machinery such as generators and other heavy
duty equipment to reduce noise generation.
iv) Avoid unnecessary ignition and usage of the generator, the compressor and vehicles.

b) Minimize the impacts of temporary construction noise and vibration by:

i) Posting notices at the sites to inform people of the activities, time and day.
ii) Planning the construction work to take place only during the day when the neighbours are
also at work and maintaining reasonable working hours of not more than 8 hours within
any 24-hours working duration so as to reduce the number of complaints concerning noise
from the workers and neighbours. Workers will work in shifts.
iii) Providing ear protective devices to workers and visitors in noisy environments to prevent
high frequency noise emitted by the high frequency machines.

d) Storm water flow

1. Assessment

The roofs of the buildings and the compacted working ground often lead to increased volume and
velocity of storm flowing across the site due to the increase in the sealed surfaces area. Sealing of the
ground surface inhibits percolation and consequent infiltration. The increased storm flow can damage
existing storm drainage lines. It can also cause overflows that can cause damage to adjacent structures
or facilities and can also cause soil erosion. The water may also end up stagnating in hollow places at
the site and hence creating conducive breeding areas for mosquitoes and other water based vectors
leading to transmission of human diseases like malaria and cholera. Run-off over gold processing plant
often carry with it materials contaminated with chemicals used in gold extraction.

2. Mitigation

(a) Design and construct curbs and channels to direct water to the lower areas.
(b) Design the storm drainage system in such a way that the storm does not mix with the waste
water and sewerage system.
(c) Consult the neighbours and land owners on the lower side neighbourhood of the site to ensure
that all storm drains leaving the site to the valley does not become a nuisance to them or
interfere with activities therein those areas.
(d) Keep open all drainage lines and built no obstructions within them to prevent stagnation of water
that could lead to development of breeding grounds for disease causing vectors such as
mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches and lice and other vermin.
(e) Install gutters and tanks to harvest and store rain water from the buildings in order to reduce run-
off.

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e) Fire
1. Assessment

Fire is a reality at the site due to use of machines and presence of open cooking by business people. If
appropriate measures are not put in place, a fire outbreak can occur and cause great damage to property
and even lead to death. Possible source of fires may include:

(a) Lightening;
(b) Leaking methane gas and fumes;
(c) Leaving flammable material near fire points;
(d) Careless disposal of lighting match sticks or cigarette stabs; and
(e) Poor handling of electrical appliances which may also lead to shocks, electrocution and damage
to electrical appliances.

2. Mitigation

(a) Declare places with flammable materials as “NO SMOKING ZONES” and display conspicuous
notices of the same.
(b) Install fire extinguishers at strategic locations such as flammable material storage areas within
and outside the office and stalls. All these must be available at the site at all times.
(c) Regularly inspect the fire-fighting equipment as will be advised by the fire officer.
(d) Clearly mark “FIRE EXIT” points from the site and ensure that they are visible.
(e) Create space for use by emergency management vehicles.
(f) Establish and mark a “FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT” at a strategic outdoor point at the site.
(g) Weather-proof all lighting and power points at the site.
(h) Install electricity and fire suppression equipment through a competent and licensed personnel
and properly handle, store and use fuel and electricity.
(i) Keep the compound clean and free from fire hazards and flammable litter and avoid naked fires
and burning things in the open fire near flammable material.
(j) Regularly repair and maintain all equipment.
(k) Allow only purposeful and controlled burning at the site.
(l) Regular train personnel concerning emergencies including those involving fire out-breaks.
(m)Subject to availability of resources install fire alarms that have smoke sensors.

f) Waste water and sanitary facilities

1. Assessment

A lot of waste water is expected to come from the leaching tanks. Water used in in the tanks drops on
the ground and percolates in. There are pit latrines for use by the workers and visitors. Accidental
flooding of the sewerage system can flush into the storm water drainage system thereby creating
biological hazards. Sewage and waste water have associated problems when they leak into the
environment. Such problems include poor sanitation, nuisance and associated diarrhea diseases. Poor
surface drain management or large amounts of effluents may lead to blockage of drains which in turn

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could result in flooding and unsanitary conditions.

2. Mitigation

(a) Construct more pit latrines. Construct disludgeable pit latrines. Upon filling or whenever it will
near filling, the proponent will contract an exhauster service provider to empty the pit latrines
for appropriate disposal of the wastes.
(b) Clean sanitary facilities and sinks every day.
(c) Construct a soak pit for the discharge of waste water.
(d) Carry out regular inspections on the sewerage and waste water drainage systems to detect and
repair breakages order to minimize risks of flushing that causes pollution and nuisance.

g) Solid wastes
a) Assessment

Mine tailings constitute one of the sources of solid waste at the site. Part of the tailings result from the
process of leaching of the crushed ore. The residue which is usually in form of a thick liquid is left on
the ground to dry and can always be recycled back into the process of extracting gold. Other solid
wastes include: household wastes such as food/kitchen waste, used paper wrapping, plastic wrapping
and plastic bags; organic wastes such as vegetable and fruit matter and peelings; purchase packaging
materials; old printed documents such as newspapers; plastics bags and bottles; metallic tins, jar lids
and soft drinks cans; glass bottles, jars and flasks; clothing materials; used sanitary towels and baby
diapers; and dead fluorescent tubes and bulbs. Below are some of the effects of these solid wastes:

(a) Some of these wastes are hazardous.

(b) Some waste materials especially the plastic/polythene are not biodegradable hence may cause
long-term injurious effects to the environment.
(c) Solid wastes can be injurious to the environment through blockage of drainage systems, choking
of water bodies and negative impacts on animal health or be a potential source of disease
pathogens or form breeding grounds for: disease causing vectors such as mosquitoes; rats;
cockroaches and lice and other vermin leading to increase in incidence of associated diseases.

1. Mitigation

(a) People in the area use the tailings for smearing and decorating houses since they have attractive
golden-like colours. This is mostly done just before Christmas season.
(b) The tailings can be added in the farm especially where root crops are grown since they are
believed to provide favourable conditions for fattening of the roots.
(c) Tailings can be used to make bricks.
(d) Provide bins for separate collection of wastes into appropriate sorts such as recyclable and non-
recyclable for each room, each corridor and each common room. These bins should be labeled.
(e) Put in place an efficient, regular and appropriate waste collection and disposal scheme that will

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prevent the accumulation of wastes at collection areas.

(f) Where possible material considered as waste may be re-used or recycled or be given to who may
consider them useful for others uses.
(g) Advice workers and business people to order materials according to needs to reduce waste.
(h) Maintain and repair equipment rather than replacing it to reduce waste.

h) Increased traffic flow

b) Assessment

There is influx of traffic to and from the site. These include vehicles facilitating activities and
operations at the site, people seeking employment opportunities, workers, managers, environmental
inspectors and suppliers of foodstuffs to the workers. Though vehicle traffic is not a major concern, it
can cause congestion on the roads which may subsequently results in accidents.

1. Mitigation

(a) Place clear signage at the gate to alert drivers to look out for entering and/or exiting vehicles.
(b) Provide space for use by emergency management vehicles.
(c) Provide for adequate space at the turning point at the gate to give drivers enough room to
maneuver into and out of the project site.

i) Water usage
a. Assessment

Water for use in gold leaching is tapped form Addis-kas kebele hills and conveyed to the site by use of
pipes and help of gravity. Potable water for use by the workers and the business people is drawn from a
nearby protected spring that is also used by the community. Pure/fresh water that is used in the final
gold purification process to dissolve salts from the gold is purchased from laboratories.

2. Mitigation

(a) Provide polite notices to conserve water at the site.

(b) Used water should be RECYCLED BACK into the leaching tanks. However, if such water has
to be used for domestic purposes, it has to be treated after approval for abstraction by WRA.
(c) Maximize on rain water harvesting for domestic purposes.

j) Use of energy (electricity and fuel)

1. Assessment

Electricity is required to run the facility and for lighting purposes. Fuel is required to run the generators
and the compressors. Since electric and fuel in Ethiopia are generated mainly through natural resources,
namely water and geothermal resources, increased use of electricity have adverse impacts on the
sustainability of these resources. Improper handling of electricity may lead to shocks, electrocution and
damage to electrical appliances. On the other hand, fuels are usually inflammable and could result into
fires. Leaks and spills of fuels may lead to explosions and fires leading to destruction of property
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injuries and deaths.

2. Mitigation

(a) Possible options for minimization of energy include:

i) Consider installing alternative energy sources such as solar panels and automatic
generators.
ii) Use of energy efficient night-time lighting only at the site.
iii) Use electricity and fuel only for the intended purposes.
iv) Switch off all energy using equipment when they are not in use.
v) Regularly check the working of energy-using equipment to ensure that there are no faults
that could lead to high energy consumption.

(b) Control of fires and explosions is important in energy-use and management so as to: reduce
damage on property, avoid injuries and accidents and protect electrical appliances and lives. In
this case:

i) Weather-proof all lighting and power points located outside the proposed building; and
ii) Ensure proper handling, storage and use of fuel and electricity.

(c) Monitor electricity consumption by:

i) Installing separate meters for each building; and

ii) Checking the electricity meters at least once per month to ensure that they are working
properly.

d. Impacts related to occupational and public health and safety

a) Assessment

There are three main types of occupational health and safety hazards that may be of concern. These are
physical, chemical and biological. Potential physical hazards will include noise and accidents resulting
from land subsidence, misuse of explosives, lack of knowledge and training on safety in the leaching
process and use of poorly maintained equipment. Chemical hazards will involve exposure to harmful
gases and chemicals by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Biological hazards involve exposure to
pathogenic organisms which may cause diseases. Specific areas of concern include:

(a) Fire hazards

(b) Noise and vibrations
(c) Congestion
(d) Accidents including cuts, pricks and bruises; electrocution from naked electrical cables; and
suffocation from gas accumulation or lack of oxygen in confined spaces. Accidents could result
from lack of supervision and job training, improper handling of machinery and hand tools and
inappropriate carrying out of tasks.

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(e) Poor sanitation resulting from presence of potential environmental pollutants at the site
including waste water, decomposing solid wastes, dust and exhaust emissions and used
chemicals and equipment.

b) Mitigation

Approved and licensed specialists will be contracted to be in charge of specialized operations at the site.
Mitigation options to most of the occupational health and safety impacts: noise and vibrations; fires and
dust and exhaust emissions have been discussed. Additional mitigation measures to other impacts are
listed below.

(a) Secure the site with appropriate fencing for protection; provision of privacy; reduction of cases
of trespass and theft; and for control of entry by straying animals and therefore avoid conflicts
between people at the site and the people in the neighbourhood.
(b) Post notices at the site informing the public of activities at the site and the need to be aware of
potentially dangerous things and spots at the site including open pits.
(c) Provide hazard notifications, signage and warnings to warn the persons on potential
consequences of their actions.
(d) Supervise all specialty works at the site.
(e) Remove all soil, boulders and other heavy materials from the edges of the pit.
(f) Keep all passages clear at all times.
(g) Provide appropriate PPE including masks, goggles, scarfs, boots and overalls among other
protective clothing as spelt out under section 101 (1) of OSHA, 2007 to all workers and sensitize
them to use them whenever they are in environments that warrant the use of such PPE especially
in all situations where the body and skin are potentially exposed to hazards such as chemicals,
harmful dusts, highly infectious wastes, sharp objects, burns and extreme temperature and/or
when working in areas that present threatening experiences.

(h) Have fully equipped First Aid Kits at the site at all times and ensure that trained first aid
personnel are available to handle any incidents due to pollution at site. A typical First Aid Kit
contains a first aid manual and is equipped with sterile adhesive bandages, safety pins, cleansing
agent/soap, latex gloves; sterile gauze pads triangular bandages, non-prescription drugs, scissors,
tweezers and antiseptic amongst others. First aid can assist in containing blood loss among other
emergency occurrences before medical attention is given.
(i) Adopt proper working procedures and when working with chemicals, machines and equipment.
(j) Ensure that trained first aid personnel are available on site at all times to handle emergencies.
(k) Put in place an appropriate emergency response plan including having emergency contacts (such
as ambulance, fire tender and police) conspicuously displayed.
(l) Dispose wastes from the site regularly and ensure high standards of cleanliness of all waste
collection and disposal facilities.
(m)Rehabilitate areas within and outside the proposed site that will have been directly and indirectly
adversely affected by the activities at the site through spillages of pollutants and those that will
have been destroyed in other ways.
(n) Ensure adequate potable water supply for high standards of sanitation that keeps to the minimum
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chances of disease outbreaks.

(o) Control waterborne diseases by ensuring sanitation at the site as outlined in this report and by
regularly conducting chemical and bacteriological quality of the water to ascertain its suitability
for consumption and treating water before drinking using approved home-based treatment
methods such as filtration using life-straw, boiling and use of chemicals such as water guard.
(p) Ensure presence of sanitary facilities by adding pit latrines or outdoor toilets that can be
emptied.
(q) Always keep sanitary facilities and waste disposal facilities clean.
(r) Frequently undertake workers through refresher trainings in order to make them have a basic
understanding of the tasks under them, the hazards involved, and how to manage them.
(s) Ensure employee welfare including provision of free or subsidized medical attendance if injured
on work, making provisions for leaves and offs, and operation of shorter-shift period for workers
in highly polluted working areas.
(t) Conduct regular maintenance of the proposed site and facilities therein to increase the life of the
proposed structures making them safe for working.
(u) Clean all spilt hazardous materials using an appropriate disinfectant.
e. The decommissioning plan

Small scale Gold Mining project is a temporary activity. Just like the initial mining activities that were
established by the colonialists came to an end, this process is also likely to come to an end. The
proposed activities can come to an end after depletion of tailing deposits or if the proponent decides to
move to another site. The facility can also close if the operations become unprofitable. At the closure of
the operations, the proponent is required by law under the Mining Act, 2016 to ensure that the site will
not pose a threat to the health and safety of the environment at that time and in future. At this point, the
site can be repurposed into another use or restored to its previous status. The process of closure will
adhere to the following steps: shut-down where the number of employees will be reduced gradually;
decommissioning where equipment is removed and disposed and structures demolished; rehabilitation;
and monitoring (post-closure). If the facility is decommissioned without any mitigation measures, the
following are likely:

(a) The site might become a safety hazard due to the presence of a deep open pit and structures.
(b) There will be massive loss of livelihoods due to the end of jobs at the site.
(c) Similarly, the hollows at the site especially the ponds might accumulate water and become
breeding grounds for water-based disease causing and spreading organisms.

The following will be adhered to during decommissioning:

(a) A decommissioning report will be prepared and submitted to NEMA at least three months
before decommissioning takes place.
(b) Remove and clean all equipment and sell them or re-use them elsewhere and demolish all
structures that will have been established at the site by the proponent.
(c) Remove any hazardous materials, reshape the land, restore the top soil and plant native plants at
the site.
(d) The use of the site or the structures may be changed to other appropriate uses after renovation,

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rehabilitation and some structural changes have taken place. This uses include museums or
education centre, an attraction site, a recreation site and a fish farm among others.
(e) The decommissioning and alternative land-use options will be facilitated by appropriate
professional personnel incorporating environmental experts; planners; public works officers and
public health officers among others.
(f) The government must ensure right from the right the license is issued that the proponent has
resources for rehabilitation of the site.
(g) Ensure long-term care and monitoring of the site in order to contain any unremoved structures to
ensure that they don’t endanger the lives of the people.
(h) Mitigation for decommissioning phase impacts will follow general Studys discussed in the
decommissioning report.

f. Potential positive impacts

(a) Gold: The proposed project will be a source of gold. Gold is a precious and expensive metal.
(b) Creation of employment opportunities: It is estimated that the proposed project will employ
many people in the area. This will either be directly or indirectly. These include the workers at
the leaching plant most of who will come from the area; the site manager; gold dealers; and
operators of other businesses. The income to be earned will be used for the betterment of
peoples’ lives and families thus improving their living standards.
(c) Demand for materials: This includes bricks, chemicals, acids and food supplies. The supply of
these materials translates into boosting both the local and national economy. The multiplier’
effect of this project also translates into increased revenue to the county and national
governments in terms of tax and other service charges.
(d) Capital into the economy: The proposed project will inject some capital into the economy.
(e) Improved aesthetics: Spill-off developments include improvement in the general aesthetic of the
area. This will add to improved development of the local area.

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9. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
a. Introduction

Members of the public are supposed to participate and get involved in decision making process
concerning development projects because they affect them. Reference is made to Section 17 of the
Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, which states that the proponent
shall in consultation with the authority, seek the views of persons who may be affected by the
projects. The role of public consultation and involvement in ESIA study report process is to assure the
quality, comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the assessment and ensure that the public views are
adequately taken into consideration in decision making process. This public participation was
conducted by organizing a public Wuyit by Amharic and administration of questionnaires to the
neighbours of the proposed site and residents in the area.

b. Findings

The people interviewed greatly appreciated that the proponent had given them a chance to participate
in the decision making process concerning the proposed project. Most members of the public
interviewed were positive about the project. Below are some of the major positive comments from the
members of the public.

a) Boost to local business: The people were happy that the proposed project will bring new
residents who will serve as customers to local businesses especially groceries and boda boda
(motor cyclists).
b) Employment opportunities: Members of the community were happy that the project would
partly solve the problems of unemployment. Members urged that the proponent should
consider residents for some of the employment opportunities at the site.
c) Development in the area: The people were happy that the proposed project is a major
development in the area and therefore will enhance land value in the area. They commended
that the proposed development will open the area to other new developments in the area and
increase business performance due to increased demand for local products.
d) Security: Neighbours of the proposed project site were optimistic that the establishment and
lighting of the proposed project would lead to improved security situation in the area.

These comments can be verified from the public participation comment sheets are attached on this
report.

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Plate 7.1: Village elder addressing the community during public consultation forum

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10. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN

a. Environmental management

This section is intended to provide a concise structure of actions with specific priority levels for the
management of the environment in all phases of the proposed project. Environmental management is
best achieved by preparation and implementation of an EMP. The plan ensures that environmental
impacts are identified and mitigated by outlining corresponding management strategies that need to be
implemented to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts and assigns responsibility for the
implementation of the mitigation measures. All costs are estimates and may change in time and space.
As project commencement and scheduling plans are developed and changed, components of the EMP
might require amending. The EMP is generally prepared to ensure that the components of proposed
project are operated in accordance with the design, standards, and regulations. If the proposed
development is implemented without any environmental management options the total project impact
will be on the appreciably adverse side. However, if the environmental management strategies discussed
in the EMP are fully implemented, the adverse impact of the project would be reduced and there will be
an overall improvement in the environment.

b. Environmental monitoring and audits and record keeping

Environmental monitoring and audits are conducted to establish if project implementation has complied
with established environmental management standards. Environmental audits (EAs) are conducted
annually beginning twelve months from the date of commissioning of the project to ensure that
identified potential negative impacts are mitigated. EA reports are submitted to the Authority in
accordance with Section 68 (3) of the EMCA, 1999 (Cap. 387). Environmental monitoring is best
achieved by keeping proper records of the progress of the facility. Some of the records to be kept
include:

a) Staff health records;

b) List of materials according to approved classification schedule;
c) Emergency management procedures such as fire response plans;
d) Staff training records in environmental issues and periodic review notes; and
e) Records of violations and notification of authorities’ correspondence in relation to the
environment.

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Table 8.1: Proposed EMP for the proposed project

Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party
cost (ETB)
Removal of vegetation, excavation and compaction
Demarcate the project area to be affected by the construction works to Proponent and
–
 Interference with plant and prevent the effects from spilling over into other areas contractor
animal life Fence the demarcated area appropriately in accordance with the Covered in cost
 Change in aesthetic Contractor
requirements of the Mining Act of 2016 for hoarding of such facilities of construction
characteristics of the site Re-establish vegetation through by creating grass verges along the
Proponent 20,000
fence and establishing potted plants
Use of GDA to leach gold tailings
 Seal the leaching tanks with impervious material to reduce
Risk of leakage or spills of
possibility of leakage of GDA chemicals during the leaching Proponent 100,000
GDA slurry during leaching process
Solid wastes
Collect and appropriately dispose all waste generated during
construction activities and must be accumulated at the point of
 Environmental generation and disposed off as appropriate through an integrated solid
contamination waste management system that comprises of recycling, re-use, Covered in cost
 Nuisance Proponent
combustion, decomposition of organic matter and sanitary land filling of construction
 Health hazard in order to prevent accumulation at the site
Proper disposal of tailing in a manner approved by the inspector or use
the tailings to make bricks
Noise and vibration
Keep all machinery e.g. generators, compressors and crushers in good
condition to reduce noise generation Cost vary with
Machine operators
Install silencers and acquire permits to emit license from the CGK service extent
 Hearing problems Construct a housing enclosure for generators and other noise- Proponent and Site Covered in cost
 Damage to the ears generating equipment if available manager of construction
Advice all machine operators to switch them off when they are not in
Site manager –
use

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THE PROPOSED SPECIAL

Provide workers in noisy areas with ear muffs Site manager 500 per worker

Dust and exhaust emissions

Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party
cost (ETB)
Sprinkle water on all dust-active areas to suppress dust and/or pave or
apply non-toxic soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads and
 Health hazard Site manager 100 per day
Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold Mining Industrying
 Visual obscurity
areas /Use a wet milling operation and employ
water to control dust from crushing and grinding
Provide workers in dust and/or exhaust concentrated areas with nose
masks Site manager 200 per worker
Minimize atmospheric emissions
Properly service, maintain and tune all equipment and machinery to
Site manager and
minimize exhaust emission Cost vary with
all machine
Dust control devices should be installed like electrostatic precipitator, service extend
operators
cyclones, scrubbers etc.
Water usage
 Over-extraction of water Manage and account for all water sources in the mine area by Contractor and Water works
resources installing meters to monitor water consumption proponent rates apply
 Conflicts over water-use Recycle and re-use water and use water wisely by ensuring that taps Contractor and all
–
 Increased demand on water are not running when not in use workers
resources Conduct regular checks, inspections and maintenance of pipes and Site manager and Cost vary with
 Wastage of water storage containers and tanks to fix leakages all workers damage extent
Construct or install bigger storage facilities ponds to be able to cope
with potential stresses in supply Contractor and
Water shortage 30,000
Construct settling ponds for the waste water, with pumps that re-route proponent
the cleared water back into the process.
Waste water and sewerage and sanitary conveniences
Provide lockable washrooms for the workers and separate them based Proponent and
Done
on gender into ladies and gents contractor
Properly use and clean sanitary facilities daily

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 Sanitary inconveniences Dispose chemical contaminated wastes tailings into the lined pond to
 Poor sanitation prevent chemical solutions from entering the environment 100 per day
Plant a belt of reeds around the leaching facility. Reeds are known to Site manager and
naturally detoxify wastes all workers
Increased traffic flow
Cost vary with
Risks of accidents Regularly service vehicles to ensure that they are in good condition All drivers
damage extent

Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party
cost (ETB)
Place prominent signage alerting the presence of the site and a Site manager and
1,000
Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold Mining Industrying proponent
area
Provide enough space at the gate to allow vehicles to get in and out of
Contractor –
the site easily
Energy consumption
Install meters to monitor energy consumption and clearly mark Site manager and Ethiopia Power
Over consumption of distribution board switches to indicate respective circuits proponent rates apply)
electricity Switch off electrical appliances including lights when they are not in Site manager and
–
use all workers
Damage to electrical Weather-proof all lighting and power points to ensure there are no live Site manager and Covered in cost
appliances electrical wires are exposed proponent of construction
100,000 per
Install alternative energy sources such as solar panels and automatic
Proponent and Site solar panel and
Power black-outs generators not only for power back-up but also to reduce dependency
manager 35,000 per
on electricity
generator
Fires
Prominently display ‘NO SMOKING’ signs at the site especially in
areas where flammable materials are stored or used and emergency
Site manager 1,000
telephone numbers (such as ambulance, fire tenders and police) where
 Injuries and deaths
everybody at the site can see them

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 Destruction of property 5,000 per

Regularly train personnel in relation to emergencies (Do this at Site manager and trainee
least once for every employee during the mining period) all workers
Safety, health, hygiene and sanitary conveniences
Provide workers with appropriate PPE such as aprons, ear muffs, nose Price vary with
Site manager
masks and gloves respective PPE
Train workers in emergency management at least once before the 50,000 per
Site manager
 Food contamination leaching process starts group/session
 Accidents Install and safeguard machinery, equipment, PPE, appliances and
Cost vary with
 Sanitary conveniences tools appropriately and carry out regular maintenance services in Contractor
service extent
accordance with their manufacturer’s safety data information
Maintain First Aid Kits at the site in easily accessible areas Contractor 1,500 per kit
Indicate dangerous spots and actions at the site Contractor –

Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party
cost (ETB)
Compliance with legislations
Register the site with the Mines and Geology department in 0.5 % of the
Proponent
Non-compliance with accordance with Mining Act requirements project cost
legislations Document and keep records of all environmental and health matters in
Contractor 500 per month
accordance with Section 68 (3) of EMCA, 1999 and OSHA, 2007

Table 8.2: Proposed EMP for the decommissioning phase

Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party cost (ETB)
Impacts to the aesthetic characteristics of the site
Demarcate the project area to be affected by the demolition works
Proponent and
and hoard the area appropriately in accordance with NCA –
Change in aesthetic contractor
requirements to prevent impacts from spreading to other areas
characteristics of the site
Re-establish vegetation through implementation of a well-
Proponent 20,000
designed landscaping programme and rehabilitate the site
Solid wastes

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 Environmental Collect and dispose all solid wastes from the site through an
contamination integrated waste management system that comprises of
Contractor 10,000
 Nuisance recycling, re-use, combustion, decomposition of organic matter
 Health hazard and sanitary land filling in order to prevent accumulation at the
site
Noise
Cost vary with
Keep all machinery in good condition to reduce noise generation Machine operators
service extent
Advice drivers to avoid hooting vehicles unnecessarily and when
 Hearing problems
passing through noise-sensitive areas such as religious places,
 Damage to the ears Contractor –
learning areas and hospitals and all machine operators to switch
them off when they are not in use
Provide workers in noisy areas with ear muffs Contractor 500 per worker
Dust and exhaust emissions
Sprinkle water on all dust-active areas to suppress dust Contactor 100 per day
Provide workers in dust and/or exhaust concentrated areas with
 Health hazard Contractor 500 per worker
nose masks
 Visual obscurity
Properly service, maintain and tune all equipment and machinery Contractor and all Cost vary with
to minimize exhaust emission machine operators service extend
Waste water and sewerage and sanitary conveniences
 Sanitary inconveniences Site manager and all
Properly use and clean sanitary facilities daily 300 per day
 Poor sanitation workers
Interference with traffic flow
Regularly service vehicles to ensure that they are in good Cost vary with
Risks of accidents All drivers
condition damage extent
Approximate
Area of concern Recommended measures Responsible party
cost (ETB)
Place prominent signage on the road alerting the presence of the Contractor and
1,000
site and a Wondimu Woldemichaelspecial small scale Gold proponent
Mining Industrying area
Fires
 Injuries and deaths The safety of the workers should surpass all other objectives in
Contractor –
 Destruction of property the decommissioning of the project

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THE PROPOSED SPECIAL

Safety, health and hygiene

Provide workers with appropriate PPE such as aprons, ear muffs, Price vary with
Contractor
nose masks and gloves PPE
Prominently display ‘NO SMOKING’ signs, indicate dangerous
spots at the site and conspicuously display contacts of emergency Contractor 1,000
service providers such as ambulance, fire tenders and police
 Food contamination Make distinctions in all stores in such a way that non-food or Contractors and all
–
 Accidents poisonous materials are not stored together or mixed with food specialty supervisors
 Sanitary conveniences Train workers in emergency management at least once during the 50,000 per
Contractor
decommissioning period group
Install, store, use, maintain and safeguard machinery, equipment,
Cost vary with
PPE, tools and appliances appropriately in accordance with their Contractor
service extent
manufacturer’s safety data information
Maintain First Aid Kits at the site in easily accessible areas Contractor 1,500 per kit
Compliance with legislations
Conduct an environmental assessment and prepare a
Site manager and
decommissioning report for application of a decommissioning 40,000
proponent
permit from NEMA
Non-compliance with legislation
Document and keep records of all environmental and health
matters in accordance with Section 68 (3) of EMCA, 1999 (Cap. Site manager 500
387) and OSHA, 2007

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Proposed Gold Mining Leaching Plant July, 2021
11. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
a. Recommendations

a) Promote the local economy by purchasing materials from sources within the area.
b) Keep records and important documents at the site to assist in self-auditing.
c) Properly manage water and drainage channels at the site in order to improve the quality of
sanitation around it.
d) Develop an Environmental Policy stating commitment, intentions and principles of action with
respect to the environment including compliance with relevant environmental regulations. This
is to form a basis upon which the management of the facility is to set its environmental
objectives and targets as in the environmental management plan.
e) Implement and follow the EMP.
f) The proponent is advised to maintain good relations with area residents and especially their
immediate neighbours in order to make them live in harmony with the community. This includes
purchasing locally produced food stuffs and other locally produced products in order to enhance
local development in the area and considering the area residents when offering job opportunities
at the site.
g) For security purposes, the proponent can insure the premises as per statutory requirements
(Comprehensive, third party and workman’s compensation policies).

b. Conclusion

The proposed development will have numerous positive impacts as has been outlined in this report. The
likely negative environmental impacts can be mitigated with the options provided for in this report. The
report concludes that if all the suggested mitigation measures and the above recommendations are put in
place and if the proposed EMP is followed, the proposed project will not adversely impact on the
environment. From the foregoing, it is clear that since the proposed project has actively involved the
key neighbourhood stakeholders who did not object the development it has sufficient public support and
if it is implemented with the proposed mitigation measures, adverse environmental impacts will be
mitigated.

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ARSENAL GOLD MINING.

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GOK (1953). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Building Code, 1953, NCLR, Nairobi

GOK (1989). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Public Health Act (Cap. 242), Revised Edition 2012,
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GOK (1996). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Physical Planning Act (Cap. 286) Revised Edition
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GOK (1999). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts 2000, Environmental Management and
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GOK (1999). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999 on Environment
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GOK (2003). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit)
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GOK (2006). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste
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GOK (2010). The Constitution of Ethiopia, 2010, NCLR, Nairobi

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GOK (2011). National Construction Authority Act, 2011, NCLR, Nairobi

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GOK (2012). Ethiopia Gazette Supplement Acts, National Environmental Policy, 2012, NCLR,

Nairobi United Nations (1987). The World Commission on Environment and Development

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