Debre Markos University (DMU) has officially received high-level recognition for its innovative geoscience research, which identified extensive deposits of iron and coal in the Amhara region.

On the recognition ceremony, held on December 25, 2025 (Tahsas 15, 2018 E.C.), the Amhara National Regional State Bureau of Mineral Resources Development present the university with a certificate of excellence for its contribution to the region’s extractive potential.

The research Led by Mr. Amare Getaneh and Mr. Yaregal Bayih from DMU’s Department of Geology (College of Natural and Computational Sciences) was conducted in Debre Elias and Goncha Siso Enese districts found in East Gojjam Zone, and it confirmed the high-density deposits of Iron Ore & Coal in the research areas. To validate the findings, the university submitted formal research papers along with physical mineral samples to the regional bureau for laboratory verification and official accreditation that resulted in the positive reward.

Melkamu Bezabih (Dr.), Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, who accepted the recognition certificate on behalf of the University on the program, said that the identification and mapping of these resources were the result of a rigorous one-year intensive study that required a total financial investment of 1.4 million Birr.

As the V/President further indicated, this discovery is expected to be a huge contribution for industrial growth in the region, motivating a coordinated partnership between Debre Markos University and the Regional Bureau of Mineral Resources Development. This collaboration will focus on utilizing these mineral resources for the construction sector and other industrial applications to enhance the local economy.