Derba – East Africa Coal Mining is a joint venture company formed by Derba Midroc Cement P.L.C. and East African Holding Share Company to engage in the extraction of coal. The mining process will be carried out 70 km west of Jimma, in Oromia regional state in Moye Woreda near the town of Debo.

The land was acquired in 2006 by East African Holding from the regional bureau. Derba - East Africa Coal Mining has assigned Shenyang Design Group, a Chinese company, to work on the extraction side of the project. The first phase of the project (Open Cast Mining) will involve an investment of USD 60-70 million. The second phase of the project which will involve underground mining is expected to cost USD 200 million. The deposit houses tens of millions of tons of reserves.

The joint venture is counting on the future coal mine to supply energy to their respective cement works, Derba Midroc Cement P.L.C. and National cement Share Company already on production, as well as other cement plants in the country.