Illegal Opal extraction, transaction said rampant

Addis Ababa, May 18(ENA)-- A study indicates that Opal querries in two zones of the Amhara State are being extracted through illegal means.

The illegal extractors are selling the ornamental stone from querries in North Shoa and South Gondar zones, the study task force formed by the State Government said.

Task force coordinator Dagnachew Beyene said local farmers, traders and brokers have engaged in the illegal extraction and transaction of Opal.

Militiamen and guards who have been assigned to prevent illegal extraction of Opal are linked with the illicit activities, he said.

Lax control on the part of government bodies was responsible for the increasing depletion of the resource as what could have been sizable income from the shimmering stone is being lost, he said.

The illegal traders obtain up to 1,500 Birr from a kilogram of Opal, he said, adding some investors who have been licensed for exploration activities are also selling the stone with the pretext of sample test.

The study was conducted with a view to taking measures to stop the illegal extraction and sale of Opal. The task force comprise members from various sector organizations including the State's water and mines development bureau.

The task force has already submitted the results of the study to the State government.