Mining Proclamation No.52/1993.

This Proclamation lays down the regulatory framework for mining operations in Ethiopia. It defines the principles of sound development of the mining sector and defines the criteria for eligibility for mining rights, i.e. a prospecting licence, an exploration licence, an artisanal mining licence, a small-scale mining licence and a large-scale mining licence. A mining licence shall give the right to abstract, in limited quantities, mineral and geothermal water.
Furthermore, the Proclamation defines the rights and duties of licence holders and provides for financial matters and administration. An applicant for a large-scale mining licence shall submit an environmental impact study before the granting of a licence.