Eritrea is currently undertaking a major project – Colluli Potash Project – to extract potash and various associated products in the Colluli region of the Danakil depression. The proponents agree that this project can become a major asset thanks to a large resource, existence of minerals close to the surface, availability of potash in the highly valued Sulphate of Potash (SOP) form, only around 230 km away from a port, located in East Africa, with easy access to large future and existing markets. The project is also believed to become an asset for the country, transforming agriculture and food security of Eritrea and wider Africa.
The Colluli Mining Share Company (CMSC) is a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of the State of Eritrea and Danakali Limited, a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The analysis recently conduced by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) shows that the main impact of Colluli is going to be seen in the exports that could account for as much as 50% of total Eritrean exports by 2030 and other investment. Agricultural productivity is also poised to increase and the indirect impact on employment linked to Colluli is estimated at around 10,000 new jobs.
The project will also contribute to the quality of employment in terms of productivity that could be significant for the local workforce. Moreover, the project is believed to positively contribute to the sustainable development agenda. The impact on agriculture should be substantial, shifting Eritrean agriculture to high value vegetables, fruits and cash crops while fertilizer is poised to contribute to food security. It is through complex and intricate pathways spanning different areas that the impact of the project will contribute to development and sustainability.