@article{10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13,
  author = {Gera Techane and Gutema Mekonen and Lijalem Yirga and Megersa Bedo and Meaza Girmay and Enatfenta Melaku and Bisrat Kebede},
  title = {Assessment of Volcanogenic Sulphur Resource Potential in the Ethiopian Rift},
  journal = {Innovation},
  volume = {6},
  number = {4},
  pages = {165-170},
  doi = {10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.innov.20250604.13},
  abstract = {Ethiopia’s geological structure, situated within the East African Rift System, features significant but poorly quantified reserves of both native sulfur and sulfate minerals. This paper presented a comprehensive synthesis and a critical reevaluation of historical exploration records from the 1960s to current assessments, aiming to clarify the nation's sulfur resource. We compiled and analyzed various reserve estimates from key volcanic locations such as Dallol, Chebrit Ale, and Dofan, which fluctuate dramatically from 1,200 tons to an estimated 7 million tons, highlighting crucial uncertainties due to inconsistent methodologies and limited systematic drilling. Our analysis confirmed the presence of native sulfur associated with hydrothermal activities within evaporite sequences. The study also pinpoints considerable non-volcanic sulfate resources, encompassing extensive gypsum/anhydrite and kieserite deposits, which present a vital alternative source. At the same time, we examine the rising domestic demand in Ethiopia, estimating a possible annual consumption of approximately 20,500 tons to facilitate the national fertilizer blending initiative and current industrial applications, primarily for sulfuric acid production. This demand is presently met entirely through imports, resulting in a significant financial burden and strategic vulnerability. The gap between the uncertain resource base and the evident increasing demand underscores a critical challenge for the nation. We recommend prioritizing systematic geological mapping and employing modern exploration methods that integrate sulfur extraction with other mineral resources to enhance economic viability and further national development goals.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Volcanogenic Sulphur Resource Potential in the Ethiopian Rift
AU  - Gera Techane
AU  - Gutema Mekonen
AU  - Lijalem Yirga
AU  - Megersa Bedo
AU  - Meaza Girmay
AU  - Enatfenta Melaku
AU  - Bisrat Kebede
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13
T2  - Innovation
JF  - Innovation
JO  - Innovation
SP  - 165
EP  - 170
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7138
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.innov.20250604.13
AB  - Ethiopia’s geological structure, situated within the East African Rift System, features significant but poorly quantified reserves of both native sulfur and sulfate minerals. This paper presented a comprehensive synthesis and a critical reevaluation of historical exploration records from the 1960s to current assessments, aiming to clarify the nation's sulfur resource. We compiled and analyzed various reserve estimates from key volcanic locations such as Dallol, Chebrit Ale, and Dofan, which fluctuate dramatically from 1,200 tons to an estimated 7 million tons, highlighting crucial uncertainties due to inconsistent methodologies and limited systematic drilling. Our analysis confirmed the presence of native sulfur associated with hydrothermal activities within evaporite sequences. The study also pinpoints considerable non-volcanic sulfate resources, encompassing extensive gypsum/anhydrite and kieserite deposits, which present a vital alternative source. At the same time, we examine the rising domestic demand in Ethiopia, estimating a possible annual consumption of approximately 20,500 tons to facilitate the national fertilizer blending initiative and current industrial applications, primarily for sulfuric acid production. This demand is presently met entirely through imports, resulting in a significant financial burden and strategic vulnerability. The gap between the uncertain resource base and the evident increasing demand underscores a critical challenge for the nation. We recommend prioritizing systematic geological mapping and employing modern exploration methods that integrate sulfur extraction with other mineral resources to enhance economic viability and further national development goals.
VL  - 6
IS  - 4
ER  - 

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