Uranium discovered in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Feb 12, 2005 (The Reporter) — Uranium, a radioactive substance used for making nuclear weapons and many other devices, was recently discovered in the Bale Zone in southern Ethiopia of the Oromiya Regional State by a group of farmers and a businessman.

The businessman, who was not identified, and who is prospecting for precious stones in the zone, was informed of the presence of the mineral by farmers in that locality. With the help of the farmers, the businessman collected samples which he sent to the Ministry of Mines for analysis. Geologists with the ministry carried out scientific tests and confirmed that the substance was uranium.

Professionals drawn from the Ministry of Mines and the Ethiopia Radiation Authority visited the area to ascertain the effects of this substance on the inhabitants and the environment.

Reliable sources told The Reporter that the amount of the deposit was not yet known as well as the effect on the inhabitants and the environment, but that further studies are being undertaken and its findings would be made public after its conclusion. So far, Ethiopia has been exploiting its deposits of gold and tantalum ores.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service.