By: OrePulse

Kefi Gold and Copper has lifted the suspension on its Tulu Kapi gold project in Ethiopia's Oromia region, resuming development that had halted after a fatal safety incident last month.

The AIM-listed company suspended work at the site on September 7, 2026, following a fatal incident on September 4 that it said was the first fatality among its personnel in about 12 years of controlling the project.

Kefi said the suspension was lifted after consultations with local community representatives and government stakeholders at both the federal and Oromia regional levels, covering community issues, the localization of operations, and security arrangements.

Development is resuming in phases, the company said, beginning with electricity connection infrastructure and new access roads. Later phases will cover housing and land replacement to resettle community members from the mining license area, followed by initial construction work including security infrastructure, bulk earthworks, and workforce accommodation. Kefi said it is prioritizing local firms with track records in the region for field work.

Executive chairperson Harry Anagnostaras-Adams described the restart as "phased and measured," with an emphasis on safety and community benefit.

Kefi said lenders continue to support the project and that discussions are ongoing about updating the schedule for project development and the drawdown of financing.