Situational analysis of Geoscience Research Laboratory

The Geo-Science Laboratory (GSL) was established in 1960 as a department within the Ministry of Mines, initially known as the Ministry of Mines Laboratory. Its primary function was to conduct sample analysis for precious minerals. In 1983, the laboratory underwent a significant reorganization, evolving into six sub-laboratories under the new name Geoscience Laboratory Center. Further restructuring in 2015 resulted in the formation of two distinct directorates: the Geochemical Laboratory Directorate and the Mineralogy and Geotechnical Laboratory Directorate. Most recently, in 2022, the laboratory was reorganized once more, now operating as the Geochemical Laboratory Desk and the Mineralogy and Geotechnical Laboratory Desk. . Geosciences, particularly geochemical and mineralogy may play an important role in changing the current scenario and enabling the mining sector to contribute positively to the envisaged transformation of the national economy towards industrialization.

The Geoscience Laboratory is organized into four specialized desks to handle its diverse activities in geochemical Lab Desk., mineralogical and geotechnical Lab Desk ., scientific equipment and maintenance and gold bar purity testing. Each desk plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient and accurate analysis.

• Complete Silicate Analysis: Focuses on analyzing silicate samples for various chemical components.

• Mineralogy and Petrography Laboratory: Engages in the identification and analysis of minerals and rocks, by using polarized light microscope, reflected light microscope and stereomicroscope , additionally using methods like XRD machines .

• Geotechnical Research Laboratory: Performs soil and rock testing to assess their mechanical properties and suitability for construction projects.

This desk is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and purity of gold bars in commercial bank branches in Ethiopia where Gold potential are existing and In central National Bank Of Ethiopia (NBE) . The laboratory works under an agreement with the Ministry of Mines, the Geological Institute of Ethiopia, and the National Bank of Ethiopia.