MIDROC Gold Mine and ELFORA Agro-Industry, the two members of the MIDROC Ethiopia Technology Group Companies, have won the 2008 “Export Day” award of the year as they stood 1st and 2nd respectively.

The former was awarded Trophy and Gold medal as it has registered commendable achievements in the mining sector and secured a great deal of foreign currency whereas the latter was awarded Silver medal as a result of its outstanding performance in mutton export.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi handed over the award to Dr.Arega Yirdaw, MIDROC Ethiopia Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of MIDROC Gold, and Ato Getachew Hagos, General Manger of ELFORA respectively at the event jointly organized by Trade and Industry and Agriculture and Rural Development Ministries to Mark the Export Day at premier's office that took place on November 22, 2008.

Receiving the award, Dr. Aregaw told journalists that the company is equaled by none in the country in whatever industrial criterion set to assess the performance. He also lauded Government effort to encourage investors. MIDROC Gold Mine has secured 73 million USD foreign currency in the previous year. No company scored such achievement on individual bases other than MIDROC Gold Mine.

Legedembi Gold mine is located in Odo Shakiso wereda, Guji Zone of Oromia state. The Sakaro project is found in the same area close to Legedembi mining site. The Sakaro project will be the second mine for MIDROC Gold. This will help achieve the 2020 vision of MIDROC Gold Mine. Further more MIDROC Gold Mine has been engaged in intensive Gold exploration in Metekel, Benishangule Gumuz State. About 10 million birr will be used this year for the Metekel exploration.

ELFORA Agro-Industry has won Silver award as a result of its success in gaining 6.2 million USD in hard currency. Although, the company is said to stand 2nd among those engaged in mutton export trade in the nation, it has also expanded activities in cereals, egg, poultry and vegetables. Its egg export to Djibouti is a case in point in this regard.

Dr. Arega said, "we would like to congratulate our Chairman, Sheik Mohammed Hussein Ali Al-Amoudi who has made the investment at MIDROC Gold and ELFORA. Over 2,500 employees come to work at these two companies.