Sudan's Mining Sector Sees Resurgence with Chinese Partnerships
The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company has announced significant agreements and memoranda of understanding with Chinese firms, particularly the Norinco Group, to revitalize the country's mining sector. This collaboration includes the resumption of Norinco's operations in eight designated areas for gold and copper extraction, with investments exceeding two billion dollars. The company is projected to produce around seven tons of gold annually from two key production sites located between the Nile River and Red Sea states.
Mohamed Taher Omar, the director of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating that Sudan has made offers for exploration and mining projects to the Chinese Mining Companies Association. The resumption of Norinco's activities comes at a crucial time, as the ongoing conflict has drastically reduced gold production in Sudan from 14 to 6 states, with the majority of mining efforts now concentrated in the Nile River, Northern, Red Sea, Kassala, Gadarif, and Blue Nile states. These areas have remained relatively unaffected by the war, allowing for a resurgence in mining activities.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
The revenue generated from gold exports in Sudan has been substantial, exceeding one billion and 300 million dollars in the last nine months alone. This figure is expected to rise to one and a half billion dollars by the end of the year, showcasing the potential economic benefits of the mining sector. The Sudanese government is actively working on plans to enhance production and revenue from traditional mining, aiming to capitalize on the strategic partnerships formed with Chinese institutions.
Additionally, during the recent China-Africa Forum, Sudan secured various agreements related to solar energy and transmission lines, further diversifying its economic partnerships. The Sovereignty Council's media has confirmed that these memoranda of understanding focus on extracting precious metals, including iron ore, with an estimated value of 30 million dollars. As Sudan navigates its post-conflict recovery, the revitalization of the mining sector through international cooperation stands as a beacon of hope for economic stability and growth.
