The suspension imposed by the ministry on Dec. 19, 2025, halted the mining and commercialization activities of all processing entities sourcing minerals from artisanal copper and cobalt production nationwide on a preventive basis. According to the ministry, after the suspension was introduced, a special commission established on Dec. 26 has completed its compliance control mission in Lualaba Province. The commission worked through three sub-commissions focusing on administrative and legal issues, technical compliance, and mineral traceability. Based on the commission’s preliminary conclusions, the ministry decided to partially and temporarily lift the suspension for mineral processing entities operating exclusively in Lualaba. The ministry stressed that the definitive lifting or continuation of the suspension will depend on whether each processing entity effectively regularizes its situation in line with official notifications.

Source: Ethiopian News January 05, 2026 23:16 UTC