ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY REPORT

FOR DIRE MINING PLC COAL EXPLORATION PROJECT

PROJECT LOCATION:
REGION: OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE
ZONE: JIMMA ZONE
District: BOTOR TOLAY DISTRICT
KEBELE: GARANGARA KEBELE
LOCALITY: LAGA GIBE

Promoter: GETACHO W/ YOHANIS

CONTACT PERSON: PHONE +251-911-55-18-87

GTG Consultancy PLC

Address: Nekemte; Saint Mikael 2nd floor, Room No 108
Finfinnee Arada Sub city
MKC Building 3rd Floor Room No.03
Telephone: +251 917805549/911900133/ 911163404
E-mail: gtgconsulancyplc@mail.com
Websit http://gtgconsultancyplc.com

Submitted To: Oromia Environmental Protection Authority

Finfinnee

December, 2022
Finfinnee, Ethiopia
 Table of contents

Contents Pages
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................ iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. Objectives of the ESIA study .............................................................................................. 3
1.2. Approaches and Methodology ........................................................................................... 4
1.2.1. Collection of Available Information ............................................................................... 4
1.2.2. Field Survey ................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Environmental Scoping ............................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Limits of the Study Area ..................................................................................................... 5
3. Relevant Policies, Legislative and Institutional Framework ...................................................................... 6
3.1 International Conventions ................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Economic Development Policies and Strategies................................................................. 8
3.3 Environmental Policies and Strategies.............................................................................. 11
3.4 Legislative Instruments ..................................................................................................... 12
4. Project area Descriptions ....................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Location & Description...................................................................................................... 15
4.2. Physiography and Climate ............................................................................................... 16
4.3. Forest resource of project area ....................................................................................... 16
4.4. Geology ............................................................................................................................ 17
4.5. Hydrology and Water Resources ..................................................................................... 19
4.6. Project description and goal ............................................................................................ 20
4.7. Equipment and resources needed for coal exploration .............................................................. 20
5. Environmental Impacts identification, prediction and analysis ............................................................. 21
5.1 The Negative impacts of the Project ................................................................................. 21
5.2. Description of the identified negative impact of the project .......................................... 22
5.2.1. Exploration Phase Impacts ........................................................................................................ 22
5.2.2. Exploration Phase Impacts Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 23
6 Environmental Management Plan ........................................................................................................... 24
6.1. Institutional Arrangement ............................................................................................... 25
7. Conclusion and Recommendation .......................................................................................................... 26
7.1. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 26
7.2. Recommendation............................................................................................................. 26
References .................................................................................................................................................. 27
ANNEXES ..................................................................................................................................................... 28

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List of Figures
FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP OF LICENSE AREA ...........................................................................................................................16
FIGURE 2: GEOLOGICAL MAP OF LICENSE AREA .......................................................................................................................18
FIGURE 3: DRAINAGE MAP OF LICENSE AREA .........................................................................................................................19

List of Tables
TABLE 1: GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AREAS (ADINDAN-ETH) ................................................................................15
TABLE 2: NEGATIVE IMPACTS IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT...............................................................................22
TABLE 3: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR COAL EXPLORATION PROJECT .......................................................................24

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 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environmental Impact Assessment (ESIA) is an integral part of the study of Coal exploration
project for Dire Mining PLC. Its main objective is to ensure that the project not only brings
economic benefit but also its adverse environmental impacts are likely harmonized with the
project area environmental conditions during exploration works.

The major approaches and methodologies followed for the Preliminary environmental impact
assessment study were review of pertinent policies, description of the physical, biological and
socio-economic baseline environmental conditions.
As major binding document for all national and regional policies, laws and regulations
document, Articles 43, 44 and 93 of the Constitution of the FDRE was reviewed. In addition, the
Environmental Policy of Ethiopia (EPE); Environmental Protection Organs Establishment
Proclamation; Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation, Environmental Pollution
Control Proclamation and the Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines documents were
reviewed and incorporated.
The project will be established on 1.04Km2 of land in Oromia National Regional State, Jimma
Zone, Botor Tolay District/woreda, Garangara kebele, Laga Gibe locality. The promoter is
aiming at first exploring the potential of coal in the area and then mining at commercial scale
largely to meet the increasing demand for energy both in the project area and countrywide for
different factories in the country. The License area located at Botor Tolay Woreda, in Garangara
kebele. It is located 256 km south west of the capital city Addis Ababa on the road to Jimma
zone of Oromia Regional States, South Western Ethiopia (Fig. 1). It lies at 156km Eastern side
of administrative towns (Jimma) in Botor Tolay district. The area of the deposit is locally called
laga Gibe site and it is accessible for any kind of lorry vehicle.
On the other hand, project operations such as exploration and sampling may have a negative
influence on the environment and society. Environmental impact assessment is a method for
making decisions that helps to determine the optimal balance of economic, environmental, and
social costs and benefits during the exploration study phase. It also helps to compare different
project alternatives.
Coal exploration is the comprehensive examination of the resource, from reserve estimation to
resource appraisal. In addition, it completely disregards the ESIA's role in its pre-operational
plans.
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The project's excavation of the land for a soil sample in some locations may result in trash
generation, residual effects, occupational health issues, airborne disease, downstream pollution,
impacts on, and other severe effects. To minimize and/or eliminate possible adverse impacts of
the project during the exploration phase on environmental resources of the area; promoting
efficient conservation practices, promoting project area plantations and internalize environmental
resources conservation through promoting coordination and collaboration of the promoter, line
sector and community. The impacts on the socio-economic environmental components can be
managed by ensuring equal job opportunities for both sexes and enhancing environmental
sustainability.
The identified impacts were evaluated based on impacts type, duration, nature, magnitude,
reversibility and significance to determine effectiveness to minimize or eliminate expected
adverse impacts through the project development periods.
Environmental budget was estimated for the environmental management, environmental
monitoring and environmental training to effectively implement the recommended measures.
The overall environmental cost is rated to be lower with respect to the identified impact
indicators.
Finally, the environmental assessment study result came up with conclusions that there is no
condition obtained that lead to “no-go” option of the planned project if the recommended
mitigation measures are properly implemented and managed. Therefore, this project is found
technically and economically feasible and socially acceptable with best opportunity to achieve
the development goal of the country.

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1 Introduction
In most industrial countries, coal has historically been a key source of energy and a major
contributor to economic growth. In today’s choice of alternative sources of energy, industrialized
economies have seen a change in the role for coal. Originally, coal was used as a source of heat
and power in homes and industry. Industrial minerals can only be traded internationally where
they can be delivered to the customer at a lower cost than other equivalent materials and to do so
is should be profitable for the producer.
Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants that lived and died about
100 to 400 million years ago. Depth, thickness, and configuration of minerals resource decide the
selection of mining technology (open cast or underground). Minerals exploitation progresses
through four stages: Prospecting means search for deposits. Exploration: Once the deposit is
assured, this is done to assess the size, shape, location and economic value of the deposit.
Development - Work of preparing access to the deposit so that the coal can be extracted
Exploitation
The exiting conducive policy, suitability of mineral vs-ecology of the area and availability of
high to engage in the investment. The promoter has been in the business and his business
experience initiated him to implement an investment project at Botor Tolay district to diversify
income sources and to address the alarmingly increased demand of domestic coal resources.

1.1. Objectives of the ESIA study

The fundamental objective of the preliminary environmental impact assessment is to ensure that
the proposed project is environmentally sound and socially acceptable, and hence contributes to
the development of environmental and social functions of local communities during exploration
phase:

 Identification, prediction and synthesis of the potential environmental and social impacts
associated with the project exploration phase and
 Designing subsequent operation, and preparation of plans and recommendations
regarding measures that will minimize adverse impacts and enhance beneficial impacts of
the project in the exploration phases.

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1.2. Approaches and Methodology

The methodology adopted for conducting the environmental impact assessment study of the
project follows the conventional methods that meet the requirements of the Federal and Regional
Environmental Protection Organs: Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines as well as
International Finance Corporations: Performance on Social and Environmental Sustainability
Standards. The collection of primary data, baseline information and secondary data on
environment and social components, relevant documents and literature sources, desktop study,
impact analysis, choosing mitigation and enhancement measures using different optimization
tools and developing environmental protection, monitoring and management plans were made.

1.2.1. Collection of Available Information

Data and information collected and reviewed from published national and regional state policies,
legislatives, regulations and guidelines as well as international conventions and protocols ratified
by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE).
The existing environmental and socio-economic data were also gathered from relevant sources.

1.2.2. Field Survey

Site visits were made previously during project design for investment request to assess the
baseline environmental and social conditions of the proposed project area; to define impacted
areas and identify environmental and socio-economic components that are likely to be
significantly affected by the proposed project during the exploration phase.
During field survey, basic data and information on the biophysical resources, socioeconomics
has been collected.

2. Environmental Scoping
In the aim of defining the limits of the study area for the project and drawing lists of activities
and impacts to be studied during the assessment, the consultant carried out an initial
environmental examination and scoping.
The scoping exercise has been carried out with the following main objectives:
 To define the limits of the study area
 To make environmental inventory
 To define list of Valued Ecosystem Components within the study area

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  To define lists of activities, type and magnitude of the proposed project, and
In order to carry out the above tasks, the consultant employed different tools and techniques
relevant to the proposed project like using environmental scoping checklists, consultations with
different stakeholders (including experts, project affected communities, local administrators and
sector institutions, etc) and informal discussions and talks with prominent individuals, local
elders, women groups and general public in the project area.

2.1 Limits of the Study Area

The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study is conducted for Environment and
socio-economic conditions most likely influenced or impacted by the implementation of the
project. The project site is defined as the exploration of coal located in the Botor Tolay District
1.04 km2 of land. The study also considers the opinion of people surrounding the project area
which could be directly or indirectly affected by the implementation of the project.

5
3. Relevant Policies, Legislative and Institutional Framework
This section covers the policy, legislative and institutional issues that are most relevant to mining
projects in general and the coal-mining project in particular. The first part this discussion looks at
the national economic development policies and strategies. The second section deals with
sectoral policies and strategies related to the project. The third part focuses on existing
environmental policies and strategies at the national and international levels. Finally, the fourth
section presents the existing institutional framework for environmental protection and
management.

3.1 International Conventions

In addition to national environmental legislations, the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia is
also a party to a number of regional and international conventions and protocols on environment.
The government has established an Environmental Protection Authority, and this Authority is
designated as focal point for the implementation of these conventions and protocols.
Accordingly, Article 9(4) of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
provides that once an international agreement is ratified through the accepted or established
procedure, it automatically becomes an integral part of the law of the land. Consequently, the
convention and the protocol are the laws of this land. Therefore, the following international
conventions and protocols are relevant to the proposed mineral resource exploration and mining
project.
I. International Finance Corporations (IFC) Guidance on Performance Standards on Social &
Environmental Sustainability

These Guidance notes offer helpful guidance on the requirements contained in the Performance
Standards, including reference materials, and on good sustainability practices to improve project
performance.

IFC expects that each client will employ methods best suited to its business to meet the
requirements of the Performance Standards. In assisting the client to meet the Performance
Standards, IFC will take into account variables such as host country context, the scale and
complexity of project impacts, and the associated cost-benefit considerations, as well as those of
project performance beyond the level required in the Performance Standards.

6
II. Convention on Biological Diversity
 The convention on biological diversity has three goals. These are:
 Conservation of biodiversity;
 Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity; and
 Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
 The convention was ratified by Ethiopia through proclamation No.98/94 on May 31, 1994.
III. Framework Convention on Climate Change
Ethiopia ratified this convention through proclamation No. 97/1994 on May 2/1994. This
convention considers the fact that climate change has trans-boundary impacts. The basic
objective of this convention is to provide for agreed limits on the release of greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere so as to prevent the occurrence of emission.
It also aims to prepare countries to minimize the impact of climate change, should it occur.

IV. The United Nations Conventions to Combat Desertification

The objective of the convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of droughts
in countries experiencing serious drought and desertification, particularly in Africa. Ethiopia has
ratified the convention through its proclamation No. 80/1997.
V. The Basel Convention
The objective of the Basel convention is to control and regulate the Trans boundary movement of
hazardous wastes. The Bamako convention of 1991 plays a similar role at the level of the
African continent. Ethiopia ratified the Basel convention through its proclamation No. 357/2002.
Its amendment was ratified through proclamation No. 356/2002. The country has also ratified the
Bamako convention through proclamation No. 355/2002.
VI. The Stockholm Convention
In the year 2002, Ethiopia fully accepted and ratified the Stockholm convention on persistent
organic pollutants by proclamation No. 279/2002 designed to ban the use of persistent organic
pollutants. The Environmental protection authority has the full mandate to implement the
convention at the national level.

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VII. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and
Flora
The objectives of the convention are to control international trade in endangered species and to
ensure that international trade in non-endangered species is carried out in a manner which
ensures stable markets and economic benefits for the exporting countries as well as to control
and regulate illegal trade in such non endangered species, fossils and/ or their derivatives.
Ethiopia ratified the convention through proclamation No.l4/1970. The mandate to implement
the convention at federal level is the responsibility of the Ethiopian wildlife protection and
development organization.

3.2 Economic Development Policies and Strategies

a) The National Economic Development Strategy
The guiding strategy under the National Economic Development is known as the ‘Agricultural
Development Led Industrialization (ADLI). This strategy further developed into sectoral
strategies that include Agriculture, Industry, Mining, Population growth, technological progress,
Economic and Social infrastructure, etc.
Despite the presence of mineral resources in quantities and qualities suitable for exploitation,
they currently contribute only about 2 per cent of the GDP. Only 1 per cent of the potential of
Ethiopia's vast water resources for irrigated agriculture and hydropower generation have been
developed. The energy sector is one of the least developed in the world with 90 per cent of needs
being met from biomass fuels, particularly wood, charcoal and animal dung. The genetic
diversity of Ethiopia's domesticated plants and its unique flora and fauna is increasingly being
eroded because the long history of disruptive interventions by the state and the weakening of
local management in the face of an expanding population and the increasing needs of agriculture.
b) Mineral Resources

The Policies are:

a. To adopt as mineral resources are depleted sooner or later, that the long-term usability of
the land be safeguarded from the outset so that with due care during and following the
mining activities, it can still be used for agriculture and/or other economic activities.

8
b. To encourage and support artisanal and small-scale miners to practice mining which is
organized and responsible so as to be consistent with environmental laws, rules and
regulations to safeguard the well-being of the land and its other natural resources.
c. To advise and train mining communities in methods of environmental protection and
reclamation of abandoned mining areas.

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 c) Community Participation and the Environment

The Policies are:

a) To ensure that all phases of environmental and resource development and management,
from project conception to planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation are
undertaken based on the decisions of the resource users and managers
b) To reorient management professionals employed in natural resource and environmental
extension programmes to embrace participatory development, and to strengthen their
communication skills so as to more effectively disseminate both the results of scientific
research and the practical experience of local farmers
c) To develop effective methods of popular participation in the planning and
implementation of environmental and resource use and management projects and
programmes
d) To develop the necessary legislation, training and financial support to empower local
communities so that they may acquire the ability to prevent the manipulated imposition
of external decisions in the name of participation and to ensure genuine grassroots
decisions in resources and environmental management.
d) Ethiopian Investment Strategy
There had been a number of investment proclamation and regulations issued by successive
governments as the country started to move away from ‘centralized economy’ to ‘mixed
economy (since 1992). These policy issues influence the project in different aspects.
Above all, the following two documents that constitute the building blocks of the current
Ethiopian investment strategy, directly affect investment in the country in general.
 Proclamation No.37/1996: Investment proclamation of the federal Democratic Republic
of Ethiopia,
 Proclamation of Ministers Regulation No. 7/1996: Council of Ministers regulations to
provide for investment Incentives.
According to the Investment Proclamation No.37/1996, the objective of the investment policy of
the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) are designed to improve the living standard
of the peoples of Ethiopia through the realization of sustainable economic and social
development. Article 13 of the proclamation specifies the required information for submitting an

10
application for investment permit. The first sub article under article 14, prescribes the procedure
for issuance of investment permit, stating the following:
Upon receiving an application for investment permit made in full compliance with the provisions
of Article 13 of this proclamation, and after ascertaining within 10 days that the included
investment activity would not be contravening the operational laws of the country and that, in
particular, it complies with conditions stipulated in environmental protection laws, the
appropriate investment organ shall issue an investment permit to the applicant.

3.3 Environmental Policies and Strategies

i. Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The Constitution is the supreme law of the country, whose provisions all other policies,
regulations and institutional frameworks must comply with. The Constitution of the FDRE
(Proclamation No. 1/1995 as amended) is the foundation for human rights, and natural resources
and environmental management. The Constitution states that:
 Government and all Ethiopian citizens shall have the duty to protect the country’s
environment and natural resources,
 Design and implementation of programs and projects of development shall not damage or
destroy the environment,
 The People have the right to full consultation and expression of views in the planning and
ii. The Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia

The major environmental and natural resources management issues facing Ethiopia are well
documented in the Conservation Strategy of Ethiopia (FDRE, 1997). The CSE sets out detailed
strategies and action plans as well as the institutional arrangements required for the
implementation of sectoral as well as cross-sectoral interventions for the management of
Ethiopia’s natural, man-made and cultural resources. The CSE provides a strategic framework
detailing principles, guidelines and strategies for the effective management of the environment.
iii. The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia
The major policy framework document with respect to environmental management of Ethiopia is
the Environmental Policy (EPE) of the FDRE approved by the Council of Ministers in April
1997. The Policy was prepared under the joint-effort of the Environmental Protection Authority

11
(EPA) and the Environmental Planning Unit (EPU) of the then Ministry of Economic
Development and cooperation (MEDaC).
iv. Environmental Impact Assessment Guideline Document
The guide to EIA document that was prepared by EPA provides a background to ESIA and
environmental management in Ethiopia. In effect the document aims at being a reference
material to ensure effective environmental assessment and management practice in Ethiopia for
all parties who engage in the process. The basic objectives of the guide are:
 Providing all interested parties with a consistent approach in ESIA
 Providing background information for the context of ESIA in Ethiopia
 Assisting proponents in identifying their ESIA responsibility
 Assisting communities and NGO groups in realizing their environmental rights with
regard to ESIA
 Assisting the authority in determining their roles and responsibility as decision makers in
the ESIA process: and
 Assisting in decision-making with regard to cost and benefits of proposed development
projects.
 The right to acquire property thereon, by labour or capital, and to sell, exchange and
bequeath the same.

F. National Biodiversity Policy and Strategies

The National Biodiversity Policy (NBP) was established in 1998 based on a holistic ecosystem
approach to conserve, develop and utilize the country's biodiversity resources. Integration of
biodiversity conservation and development in federal and regional sectoral development
initiatives, and mobilization of international cooperation and assistance, have been identified as
the principal strategies for implementation of the policy.

3.4 Legislative Instruments

The Federal Government of Ethiopia is in the process of passing number of proclamations that
are aimed at providing the legislative instruments for the implementation of the national
environmental policy objectives and strategies. The following environmental protection
proclamations were enacted by the council of Representative of FDRE.

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1. Environmental Impact Assessment (Proclamation 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 EPA. The law specifies the projects and
activities that will require an environmental impact assessment (ESIA).
 Specified categories of projects to be subjected to an ESIA and receive an authorization
from the EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency 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 EPA or the relevant regional environmental agencies may issue an exemption from
carrying out an EIA in projects with an insignificant environmental impact.
 A licensing agency may suspend or cancel a license that has already been issued where the
EPA or the relevant regional environmental agency suspends or cancels environmental
authorization.
2. Environmental Pollution Control (Proclamation 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 of the
country. The law addresses the management of hazardous waste; establishment of environmental
quality standards for air, water and soil; and monitoring of pollution. The problem of improper
handling of hazardous substances related to activities such as pest management and industrial
development are becoming a serious environmental concern.
3. Solid Waste Management (Proclamation No. 513/2007)

Measures related to waste handling and disposal:

 Any person shall collect waste in an especially designated place and in a manner, which
does not affect the health of the society.
 No person shall dispose solid, liquid or any other waste in a manner which contaminate
the environment or affects the health of the society.

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4. Proclamation on rural land administration and land use

Rural Land Administration and Land Use Proclamation (Proc. No. 456/2005) came into effect in
July 2005. The objective of the proclamation is to conserve and develop natural resources in
rural areas by promoting sustainable land use practices. In order to encourage farmers to
implement measures to guard against soil erosion, the proclamation introduces rural land holding
certificate, which provides a level of security of tenure.

5. Proclamation on expropriation of land holdings and payment of compensation

The Proclamation, Proc. No. 455/2005, was issued in July 2005 and deals with appropriation of
land for development works carried out by the government and determination of compensation
for a person whose landholding has been expropriated. It includes provisions on power to
expropriate landholdings, notification of expropriation order, and responsibility for the
implementing agency and procedures for removal of utility lines. According to the proclamation,
the power to expropriate landholdings mainly rests on woreda or urban administrations.

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4. Project area Descriptions
4.1 Location & Description
The License area is located in Botor Tolay Woreda, Garangara kebele at Laga Gibe locality. It is
located 256 km southwest of the capital city Addis Ababa. Botor Tolay district is found in the
Jimma zone of Oromia National Regional States, South Western Ethiopia (Fig. 1). It lies at 156
km east of Administrative town (Jimma town). The area of the deposit is locally called Laga
Gibe site and it is accessible for any kind of lorry vehicle. The total area of the license block is
1.04 Km2. The geographical coordinates of the area using UTM is stated as follows in Table 1.

Table 1: Geographic Location of the Project Areas (Adindan-Eth)

No Easting Northing
1 328223 911925
2 328920 912304
3 328903 912208
4 327806 911258
5 326870 910661
6 326506 911253
7 328088 911900

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 Figure 1: Location map of license area

4.2. Physiography and Climate

The project area topography is characterized by stream valley and Gibe River located on
North and Southwest ridge forming hill sides, the South is steepened (elevate contour) and the
south hill is some steepened and gentle on the upper surface area. The altitude of this woreda
ranges from 1100 to 1800 meters above sea level. The soil condition of the area is fertile or
compatible of soil types that covered high diversity and tropical forests (natural vegetation).

The mean annual temperature ranges from 19°C to 30°C and the mean annual rainfall varies
from 400 to 1500mm/year. Therefore, such a diverse mixed climatic condition is the most
important factor for the availability of a huge wealth of biologically diverse species in the
area.
4.3. Forest resource of project area
The Natural vegetation is highly endangered through human intervention for different
purposes. There are broad-leaved forests that abundantly found in Jimma Zone, which includes
Tiro-Botor- Becho, which is found in Botor Tolay and Limmu Kossa. The Tiro-Botor- Becho
forest covers (950.9Km2) of the Jimma zone forest area.

16
 The coverage of vegetation in the Woreda varies from the highland to the low land. In the high
land there are naturally grow and artificially planted dense forests distributed in scattered
condition including shrubs and bushes. Open woodland forest and riverine forest along the
river banks mostly covers the area in the mid altitude and open wood grass land savanna is
widely available in the ecosystem. However, deforestation and overgrazing are the major
constraints, which degrade soil fertility status of the Woreda.
4.4. Geology
Geological surveys indicated that the present land form of Jimma zone created as a result of
different geological processes. The vast areas of the zone land formation had taken place during
the Cenozoic era. The Central and Southern part of the zone (Woredas of Kersa , Nonno, Tirro
Afata, Sokorru, Gomma part of Seka Chekorsa, Limmu Seka and Limmu Kossa fall to Makdala
group of tertiary volcanic. While, the Nortnern and Western part of the zone that share with trap
series of tertiary volcanic geological formation which includes the Woredas of Sigmo, Setema,
Gera, part of Gomma, Omo Nada, Limmu Kossa and Limmu Seka. The thick basaltic lava rocks
of the trap series were the results of tertiary volcanic eruption of the Cenozoic era that covered
the largest area of the Woreda. It is conducive for farming activities, extraction of construction
and industrial materials.
Geological surveys indicated that the present landform of Jimma Zone created because of
different geological processes. The vast areas of the Jimma zone land formation had taken place
during the Cenozoic era. The geological formation of the zone had depicted that Jimma zone has
a good potential for the development of a wide range of mineral resources. However, so far the
zone mineral deposits exploitation did not deeply investigated except those in Dedo areas, but
currently very essential mineral extraction is being conducted in Woredas. The project area is
mainly comprised of Tertiary volcanic rocks and coal-bearing sedimentary rocks (Fig 3). It
mainly comprises fragmented, jointed and strongly fractured aphanitic basalt. The intensity of
weathering is very strong both in the vertical and horizontal extensions and has changed the rock
into slightly to completely weathered materials. It is mapped in southern and northern part of the
area respectively.
Trachyte: - This unit mostly found on the top part, though in some places it is found at lower
elevation has a direct contact with sedimentary units due to structures. This unit exists both as
a bed rock and in some places as weathered transported blocks. This unit generally display

17
 light grey to dull whitish - white color and texturally it is fine but in a few places it shows
fine to medium grained and has moderately jointed blocky fractures. It shows deep
weathering and the unit becomes highly oxidized and kaolinized. On the basis of field
observation, the unit was classified in to the range from intermediate to felsic volcanic rock.
Basalt: - It occurs as gentle slope and steep cliffs forming and unconformably overlies the
Precambrian rocks. The flow attains an average thickness of 40 to 50 m. It is grayish black to
black and commonly aphanitic to locally porphyritic and amygdaloidal, with amygdules
filled by calcite and zeolite. Its bottom part is largely porphyritic with phenocrysts of
dominant olivine and rarely pyroxene, which lie within aphanitic to fine-grained groundmass.
Tertiary Sediment
This unit occurs mostly as layer intercalating with the mudstone in different places, it is dark
grey colored, weekly bedded and laminated, friable, fissile like sheet and has an average
thickness varying from 0.1 to 3m.
Eluvium
This Unit has grey-black color, massive to moderately foliated, massive to fractured, mostly
horizontally bedded. This unit is mainly exposed along the stream sections and their
tributaries. But it is unable to map at this scale due to its limited exposure to the stream
sections were there is continuous and huge river cut exposes it. It has an average thickness
varying from 0.2 to 2.2m.

Figure 2: Geological map of License area

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4.5. Hydrology and Water Resources
A drainage basin is one area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. A ridge of high land
beyond which any precipitation drain in to adjacent basins shows its boundary. This boundary
refers to all water shed or water parting. Jimma zone constitutes three major watersheds that
separate the rivers that flow to the Omo, Gibe and Baro rivers. It has three drainage basins
namely Omo-Gibe, Abay and Baro Rivers that characterized by the type of dendrite drainage
pattern. Gibe river basin occupies the largest (16,559 Km2) surface area of the zonal drainage
basin. Streams drain from the uplands and controlled by the master drainage system of Gibe
River. Morphologically, the basin consists of basaltic ridges, deeply dissected basalt-floored
stream channels and associated lowlands. The capital town of the worda Weyu town is found
in Gibe watershed draining to the south direction and eastern direction is categorized under the
Gibe river basin. River Gojeb, Gilgel Gibe, Kersa, Kelecha, Unta, Kewa, Anderacha, Dembi,
Nada, Abbonno, Doma, Busa and Nedi are remarkable perennial rivers flowing from the
Eastern and Southern part and dendrite on the lower part.

Figure 3: Drainage map of License Area

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4.6. Project description and goal
The proponent has proposed the project having an overall goal of taking advantage of
opportunities existing in cola exploration. The main objective of this project proposal is to
conduct systematic Integrated Coal Exploration Works starting from regional exploration to
detailed exploration of reserve estimation (prefeasibility study) and make ready for mining of
coal seems in the target area.

The specific objectives to be undertaken are systematic exploration works on the indicated coal
type, aimed at determining the prognostic geological characteristic features of decisive relevance
for economic usage in Botor Tolay district, Garangara kebele at Laga Gibe locality area using the
art of technology with environmentally friendly ways. This incorporates the following types of
physical activities:

 Conduct geological mapping and geochemical sampling to identify the rock units
and coal seams.
 Pits will be dug where the over burden will be thin, about 20 pits will be dug with
an average depth of 10m each and after sample collected it will be closed.
 Undertake structural mapping to understand all the structural elements and
possible effects.
 Determine three dimensional qualitatively and quantitatively coal properties
 Carry out resource evaluation and thus, reserve estimation.
The project will cover 1.04 Km2 of land. The scope of this work is to ultimately involve in the
production of coal supply to the existing demanding market. We believe this would obviously
contribute an imperative share to the supply of coal for energy consumption and others.

4.7. Equipment and resources needed for coal exploration

For pit site exploration for clearing and digging pit, equipment that allows direct observation and
sampling of the subsurface layers is preferred. The equipment consist of GPS, Topographic map,
backhoes, shovel, axe, machete and large diameter auger etc. Moreover, wet rotary rock coring
methods are used to determine subsurface conditions and to obtain samples for testing. Triple-
tube core barrels are commonly needed to maximize core recovery.

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5. Environmental Impacts identification, prediction and analysis
The impacts are classified, and their range varies in space and time. The intensity of the impacts
is classified according to the following criteria:
 Effects on the health species
 Impacts on water bodies and soil
 Reduction of the diversity of species
 Loss of habitats
 Transformation of natural landscapes
 impacts on the human health
 Effects on the present use of agriculture
 Impacts on environment (air)
The criteria of classification of the impacts as being very significant, moderately significant,
slightly significant and no significant are according to:
 Size and geographical extent
 Nature, duration and frequency
 Irreversibility
 Ecological context
Analysis of the impact
+3 very significant
+2 moderately significant
+1 slightly significant
0 Not significant
-1 slightly significant
-2 moderately significant
-3 very significant
The significance of each impact analyzed at three different phase of a project; exploration
phase.

5.1 The Negative impacts of the Project

Negative impact identification, analysis and mitigation measures are the most important parts of
ESIA, which is helpful to reduce or limit the likely environmental and social impacts of the

21
proposed project during exploration phase. The impact can be occurred at the different phase of
the project however the concern of this preliminary report is about exploration/phases. Mineral
Resource exploration projects have large benefits, but the negative side effects are often
overlooked.
Table 2: Negative impacts identification and analysis of the project
No List of negative impacts exploration
1 Loss of grazing land 0
2. Loss of biodiversity -1
3. Water pollution 0
4 Soil erosion -1
5 Air quality reduction 0
6 Nuisance noise pollution 0

5.2. Description of the identified negative impact of the project

5.2.1. Exploration Phase Impacts

Potential negative impacts associated with the exploration phase activities of the project has
insignificant loss of open grazing area in the woodlands since the trench and pit hole will be
closed with soil.
Loss of freely accessed grazing land
The project is mainly situated in complex topography land with grass cover in which community
uses as free and less grazing area. The exploration phase has no significant impact of grazing
land since the pit and trench will be closed with soil.
Losses of biodiversity
Removal of vegetation and cutting trees during exploration, excavation for soil sampling,
installation of machineries and camps facilities will affect the biodiversity of the area. Potential
impacts include those associated with the loss of flora and fauna communities and increase in
natural instability of the communities. However, because the project site is mainly open
grassland, destruction of perennial vegetation and wild animals is insignificant.
Removal of vegetation, landscape and land use pattern alteration

Land clearing and removal of the existing vegetation from development sites can be a cause for
the alteration of landscape integrity, grasses, perennial vegetation and change in land use pattern
in the project area.
Impact on Air Quality

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There is no main air quality concern of the project during exploration stage. The contribution of
exploration phase to the air quality degradation is not significant.
Impact on flora and fauna

The project site is characterized by vegetation covers with some bushes and shrubs which
support the life of different biological diversity as the land cove change the existence of diversity
of life will be disturbed during exploration phase a of the project.
Nuisance Noise

At the third year of exploration machinery will be used , as a result, some noise pollution is
expected to close by surrounding community even if they are at far distance from the project site.
Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is another impact that can arise from exploration activities. Because there is an
excavation of lands and might be wetter, it is less able to absorb rainfall and runoff will therefore
be moderate. To mitigate such problem, restoration of the excavated land is a must.
Impacts on terrestrial fauna and flora

i. Impacts on terrestrial fauna

The project area slightly covered with little wood land, scarce vegetation and bushes and shrubs
as a result land use change can affect the life of wild animals. Therefore, this project, will have
very less impact on wildlife habitats destruction.
ii. Impacts on terrestrial flora
The project activities that will affect the vegetation and the terrestrial habitats will include land
clearing and excavation. The present bush and grass lands will be changed to excavated land and
after restoration the grass and other vegetation me be restored

5.2.2. Exploration Phase Impacts Mitigation Measures

 Limit clearing and soil disturbance in the sites in such a way that trees are maintained.
 The excavated land, pit and trench must be closed soil and restored with the grass and
other vegetation might be restored
 Record the type and number of trees and shrubs cut in order to replace after exploration
is completed
 Grade disturbed areas and restore landscape

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6. Environmental Management Plan
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of exploration of the project is to minimize adverse
impacts of the project by implementing and monitoring the proposed mitigation and
enhancement measures. Under this section, the way specific mitigation and enhancement
measures implemented and monitored at exploration phases to overcome possible impacts of the
project are outlined.
Table 3: Environmental management plan for Coal exploration project
No Impacts Mitigation Time Cost

Responsi
Procedur
Indictors
duratio

bility
n

es
Loss of - Fast restoration and fill the -Shortage Interview -Livestock  explorat 10,000
1 grazing land excavated land for exploration of grazing -Field agency ion
during -Introducing improved fodder land observation -Proponent phase
excavation -pit and trench must be closed -Excavated -Land &
and pit hole with soil and environmental
disturbed protection
land office

2 Loss of -Number of Observation Environmental explorat 10,000

biodiversity -Maintaining indigenous trees trees Forest protection ion
-Planting trees -Species inventory &agricultural phase
diversity office
Water -Managing oils and lubricant -Health -Interview -Proponent  explorat 5,000
pollution - culvert construction and piping condition -observation -Health Office ion
3 is important -water -Laboratory -Environmental phase
-Control field erosion hardness analysis protection
-Color office
4 Soil erosion - fast restoration and tree planting, -Soil -Farmers -Proponent  explorat 10,000
and land leveling the land scape siltation in interview Agriculture ion
scape -Control soil erosion the -observation office phase
alteration -using concert canal downstrea -Laboratory -Land & envta’l
-Use piping to reduce loss m areas analysis protection
pit and trench must be closed with -Soil color office
soil change
Air quality -Frequent watering during Respiratory Interview -Health office explorat 8,000
5 reduction construction disease workers and ion
-Use energy efficient machineries occurrence Lab. Report environmental phase
Observation protection
6 Sound Selecting less sound machines/ Sound Field Health office explorat 5,000
pollution / technologies disturbance observation and ion
noise during environmental phase
excavation protection
Total 48,000.00

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6.1. Institutional Arrangement

For proper environmental management and monitoring purposes, the arrangement of concerned
institutions and key actors, which will have decisive roles to ensure effective and efficient
implementation of the monitoring program are essential.
The management of the proponent along with appropriate regulatory authorities would share the
responsibility to supervise and coordinate all of the environmental protection measures outlined
above, and to monitor the project according to existing environmental laws, regulations, and
standards.
The Proponent will employ an environmental and safety officer to organize and supervise
environmental protection measures and monitor the impacts of each component of the project.
The officer will work under the guidance and supervision of the management of the proponent
and in conjunction with the local environmental protection bureaus according to the requirement
of the law pertinent to the pollution control, environmental impact assessment, labor and public
health.
The environmental and safety officer will be entrusted to take responsibility for implementation
of environmental monitoring for the whole project. He will stipulate the monitoring techniques to
be used the appropriate standards, and quality control measures. The proponent will compile all
the relevant monitoring data and prepare regular monitoring reports.

25
7. Conclusion and Recommendation
7.1. Conclusion
The objective of the project is to supplement and promote Mineral exploration sector to enhance rapid
development through its contribution to the development of improved mineral seller to national
supply and export when the demand that will be sold to local companies of cement and others in the
country. The Government is constantly on the lookout to identify constraints to the development of
the sector and advise on the best course of action to facilitate investment in the sector.
The government of Ethiopia has been actively working to create an investment climate that
encourages investors through facilitating long and short-term loans.
The negative impact caused by the project is likely significant and it need appropriate measures by
concerned government body.
Generally, the project will have a positive impact if properly managed the environmental impacts and
to tackle unforeseen situations that could occur during the project lifecycle, the project shall develop a
comprehensive environmental monitoring program and work on proposed mitigation measures so that
recommended mitigation measures are implemented and remain effective.

7.2. Recommendation
In order to conduct exploration, exploration equipment, executing of exploration works like drilling
and sampling the rocks, environmental management plan should take into considerations the
following recommendations:
• ensuring that all government and concerned agency the requirements and procedures related to ESIA
are complete,
• Technologies, equipment and processes should minimizes adverse impacts and enhancing beneficial
impacts,
• Preparation of detail designs for the exploration site layout, which incorporate specific features
should aims at minimizing adverse impacts and enhancing beneficial impacts, and
 All pits excavated should be closed and restored by the promoter of the project soon after
exploration in order not affect the beauty of the landscape.

26
References
EPA. 1997: The Environmental Policy of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

EPA. 2002. Proclamation No. 295/2002: Environmental Protection Organs Establishment, Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.

EPA.2002. Proclamation No. 299/2002: Environmental Impact Assessment, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

EPA. 2002. Proclamation No. 300/2002: Environmental Pollution Control, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

FAO, ISRIC and ISSS. (1998). World Reference Base for Soil Resources. World Soil Resources Reports, Vol.
84.

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Environmental Protection Authority (2000) Environmental Impact
Assessment Guideline Document, Addis Ababa

EPAUNIDO (2003). Ambient Environment Standards for Ethiopia. The Federal Democratic
Republic Of Ethiopia Environmental Protection Authority and The United Nations
Industrial Development Organization. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
FDRE (1997). Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa
Ethiopia.
FDRE (2002a). Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation. Federal Negarit Gazeta of The Federal
Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. Proclamation No. 295/2002. 9th Year No. 7. Berhanena Selam
Printing Enterprise. Addis Ababa-3rd October, 2002, Pp 1939-1944.
FDRE (2002b). Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation. Federal Negarit Gazeta Of The Federal
Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. Proclamation No. 299/2002. 9th Year No. 11. Berhanena Selam
Printing Enterprise. Addis Ababa-3rd December, 2002, Pp 1951-1958.
FDRE (2002C). Environmental Impact Assessment Proclamation. Federal Negarit Gazeta Of The Federal
Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia. Proclamation No. 300/2002. 9th Year No. 12. Berhanena Selam
Printing Enterprise. Addis Ababa-3rd December, 2002, Pp 1959-1966.
Kazmin, V. 1975. Explanation of the Geological Map of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Institute of Geological Surveys,

OPDC, 2022. (Oromia Planning and Development Commission): Physical and socio-economic profile of Jima
zone
The Federal Republic 0f Ethiopia Ministry of Culture And Tourism Ethiopia Sustainable Tourism
Development Project (Estdp) (2009) Environmental And Social Management Framework (Esmf).

UNEP (2004) Environmental Impact Assessment And Strategic Environmental Assessment: Towards An
Integrated Approach: Unep Economics And Trade Branch (Etb), Division Of Technology, Industry
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World Bank (2005) Operations Manual Operational Policies Op 4.11: Physical Cultural Resources,
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World Bank (2005) Operations Manual Operational Policies Op 4.01 Environmental Assessment, Washington
Dc: World Bank

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ANNEXES
ANNEX 1: Oromia Minerals development Authority announcement on Newspaper for claim of the
ownership

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Annex 2: Legal Document of GTG Consultancy Plc

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Annex 3. COC of members the consultant firm

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