(Ecofin Agency) - Ethiopian government suspends the mining license of Midroc Gold Mines, a company which has been operating on the Lega Dembi project (4.5 tons of gold/year) in Oromia region for two years now. This was reported yesterday May 10 by Reuters which quoted a senior government official.

The decision follows weeks of protests by populations who accuse the company of water and air pollution. “The ministry suspended the license in response to the demands of the people,”Bacha Faji, spokesperson for the ministry of mines, petroleum and natural gas, told Fana television.

For the record, protests started after the government’s decision to renew the project’s mining license. Residents of Guji zone (where the mine is located) have protested accusing the company of polluting the environment as well as the Lega Dembi River. They also allege that the pollution is the cause of many diseases.

Moreover, Mr. Bacha indicated that an independent decision-making body has been set and had already begun an impact assessment study of the company’s operations. Government’s final decision will depend on the outcome of this study whose duration was not specified.

let’s note that Midroc Gold Mines is owned by the Saudi tycoon born in Ethiopia, Mohammed Hussein al-Amoudi.