Building stone of central and southern Ethiopia: deposits and resource potential
Abstract
The bedrock geology of Ethiopia exhibits a variety of rock types that can potentially be developed for building stone production. The ETHIONOR project has so far included investigation of such resources in the southern and central parts of Ethiopia. Within the Precambrian, there are several deposits of pink and grey granitoids, grey and white marble, soapstone and serpentinite; a number of these deposits are currently exploited by Ethiopian companies. Mesozoic sandstone and limestone are found at several places in the east-central and central part of the country, and in addition to the small number of existing quarry operations, a potential exists for the development of new deposits. Baalt, tuffs and ignimbrite are extensively used for local housing and construction in Ethiopia. Such resources represents a potential for low-cost supply of an excellent construction material, and could be developed further.