Traditional mine cooperatives has secured close to 49 million USD from the sale of various mines over the past eight months, the Ministry of Mine and Energy said.

Speaking at a relevant meeting held here Saturday Mine and Energy State Minister Sinknesh Ejigu said the cooperatives are supplying gold, tantalum, jewelry to the market.

She said the ministry is organizing, providing training, machineries for production and facilitating market opportunities.

The state minister said efforts are underway to ensure the participation and benefits of women in the sector in spot areas.

She urged neighboring states to share best experience to tap the resource properly.

Sinknesh urged stakeholders to effectively implement the proclamation on precious stones marketing that would ultimately address illegal mining.

According to Tamirat Mojjo an official from the ministry, the stated sum in the reported period has exceeded that of last year same period by more than half.

He attributed the success to the implementation of the proclamation and trainings offered to cooperatives.

Representatives from the ministry, regional bureaus, national bank and other organizations engaged in the sector attended the meeting.

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