Mining Companies
The mining industry in Sudan is primarily driven by the extraction of fuel minerals such as petroleum. Since the independence of Southern Sudan in July 2011, petroleum has been a significant part of the country’s economy. Since then, the mining industry has grown substantially. It is now one of the largest industries in Sudan.
Sudan has several mining companies. The largest is the Khartoum Gold and Minerals Company, which is registered under the number 49299. It offers exploration and production services. The company is headquartered in Khartoum and started formal operations in Sudan in April 2013. In July 2014, it secured Block 62 in the Red Sea State. It now maintains a permanent exploration camp in the state.
Other companies that have set up shop in Sudan include Meroe Gold and M-Invest. The Russian gold mining company has close links to the Russian government and has a local subsidiary called Meroe Gold. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the allegations of gold smuggling. However, a CNN investigation in 2019 revealed that the company was linked to the Kremlin and Russian mercenaries. The company also advised the Sudanese government on how to suppress public protests.
Mining Companies in Sudan
Although the Sudanese government has tried to impose regulations on the gold mining industry, the situation remains unstable. Many mining companies in Sudan rely on outdated extraction techniques, which have led to fatal accidents. Last year, a mining tunnel collapse led to the death of 60 miners. Additionally, mercury is commonly used in gold extraction, and there is an alarmingly high cancer rate among the workforce.
Biggest mining companies in Sudan
While the Sudanese mining industry is still small by international standards, the country has numerous mineral deposits. The Fodikwan iron ore deposit, for instance, contains over 500 million tons of the mineral. In FY 1978, the Sudanese Mining Corporation produced 1,000 tons of scrap mica. The Sudanese Mining Corporation also mines some manganese. Nevertheless, it has only tapped these deposits on a limited scale.
Although the Sudan government has implemented reforms in the mining sector, the lack of regulation has made the sector susceptible to corruption and exploitation. In one example, President Salva Kiir’s daughter owns part of a mining company that has three active mining licenses. In another, former Vice President James Wani Igga’s son is listed as a shareholder in a mining company. Both individuals have been placed under Global Magnitsky sanctions.
Mining in Sudan contributes 4% to the country’s economy, and gold is the most important commodity. Pan African Resources, for example, recently secured five prospecting concessions in the north east of the country. The company plans to start exploration in the near future. The company has a strong asset base and robust production portfolio.
