Smuggling Hits Sudan’s Mining Sector as Number of Gold Companies Drops Sharply

The Director of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, Mohamed Tahir, revealed preliminary findings from a review of existing partnerships with mining companies, stating that only 13 companies are currently producing gold out of more than 100 registered in the sector.

Speaking at the Sudanese Exports Forum, Tahir said that the traditional mining sector has faced major challenges since the outbreak of war, as multiple unregulated actors entered the field, leading to the establishment of factories and mining projects outside legal and environmental frameworks.

He explained that these practices have negatively impacted the national economy and the environment in several states, noting that some workers exploited the cover of traditional mining to engage in activities unrelated to the sector, according to Al-Mashhad Sudanese news outlet.

Tahir affirmed that the coming phase will witness serious steps to reorganize the sector and improve performance to ensure the sustainability of mineral resources and maximize their returns to the state treasury.

In an earlier interview with Al Arabiya Business, Tahir stated that Sudan aims to produce 80 tons of gold by the end of this year, with expected revenues of around $3 billion.