Assessment of Volcanogenic Sulphur Resource Potential in the Ethiopian Rift

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.