Manpower and financial constraints have prevented a systematic survey of mineral resources. Mining presently contributes less than 1% of GDP. Ethiopia has great potential for hydroelectric power, which, in the long run, could offset a domestic reliance on firewood and also slow massive deforestation and soil erosion. Current exploration for oil and gas has revealed reserves in the Ogaden, but exploitation has not begun. When Eritrea seceded in 1993, Ethiopia lost other substantial oil reserves and many oil concessions.
