Ethiopia Begins Gold Production at Kurmuk Mine

Canadian mining company Allied Gold has poured its first gold at the Kurmuk mine in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, marking the transition of the project into production. The company hopes to begin commercial operations by the end of 2026, with remaining power infrastructure and the mobilization of its full haulage fleet expected to be completed this month. Allied Gold projects output of 25,000 to 35,000 ounces this year, increasing to between 240,000 and 270,000 ounces in 2027 and approximately 300,000 ounces in 2028. The mine is reportedly Allied’s lowest-cost mine. It is also one of Ethiopia’s first large-scale mechanized operations. The development has attracted significant investor interest, particularly from China’s Zijin Gold International, which acquired a 9.2% stake in Allied Gold in August 2026.