In a high-level meeting held in Juba, South Sudan’s Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, and the Minister of Mining, Hon. Martin Abucha Gama, convened to outline an ambitious strategy to harness the nation’s mineral wealth as a cornerstone for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable national development.
The discussion underscored the government’s determination to transform South Sudan’s mining sector into a catalyst for prosperity, aligning with the economic vision of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The meeting, held at the Vice President’s office, focused on leveraging South Sudan’s largely untapped mineral resources—ranging from gold and diamonds to copper, uranium, and iron ore—to uplift the lives of its citizens.
Vice President Mel emphasized that unlocking these resources is a key pillar of President Kiir’s agenda to diversify the economy, reduce dependency on oil revenues, and foster inclusive growth in a country recovering from years of conflict and economic challenges.
“South Sudan’s mineral wealth is a gift that belongs to all its people,” Dr. Mel stated. “Our goal is to ensure that every resource beneath our soil becomes a blessing above it, creating jobs, building infrastructure, and driving long-term economic revival.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the mining sector while prioritizing transparency, sustainability, and equitable benefits for communities across the nation.
Hon. Martin Abucha, the Minister of Mining, echoed the Vice President’s enthusiasm and presented a comprehensive roadmap to revitalize the sector. Central to his plan is the expansion of mining opportunities for South Sudanese citizens, particularly through the formalization and empowerment of artisanal and small-scale miners, who constitute a significant portion of the sector’s workforce.
South Sudan’s artisanal mining communities, often operating in remote areas, have long faced challenges such as lack of equipment, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to markets.
To address these, Abucha outlined initiatives to provide technical support, including training on modern mining techniques, safety standards, and environmental protection.
The Minister also highlighted plans to scale up geological training programs nationwide, in partnership with educational institutions and international experts.
These programs aim to equip South Sudanese miners and technicians with the skills needed to improve productivity and reduce risks in mining operations.
“By investing in our people, we are investing in the future of our nation,” Abucha said. “A skilled workforce is essential to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources.”
Transparency and sustainability were recurring themes in the discussion. Hon. Abucha stressed the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that mining activities adhere to international best practices. This includes measures to combat illegal mining, protect the environment, and ensure that revenues from the sector are reinvested into public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Minister also expressed his commitment to engaging with local communities to address concerns about land use and environmental impacts, fostering a mining industry that respects cultural and ecological sensitivities.
A significant outcome of the meeting was a resolution to increase budgetary support for the Ministry of Mining. The additional funding will enable the ministry to modernize its operations, enhance geological surveys, and improve national production capacity.
This includes upgrading equipment, expanding access to mining licenses for local entrepreneurs, and investing in infrastructure to connect mining regions to markets.
The resolution reflects the government’s recognition of the sector’s transformative potential, not only as a source of revenue but as a foundation for dignified employment and inclusive investment.
South Sudan’s mineral sector, while rich in potential, has historically been underdeveloped due to decades of conflict, weak governance, and limited investment.
The country’s gold reserves, for instance, are estimated to be among the largest in East Africa, yet production remains largely informal and plagued by smuggling.
Similarly, other minerals like copper and iron ore remain underexplored due to a lack of geological data and investment. The government’s renewed focus on the sector comes at a critical time, as South Sudan seeks to rebuild its economy following the 2013-2018 civil war and navigate ongoing challenges such as inflation, food insecurity, and climate-related crises.
Vice President Mel expressed optimism about the sector’s role in South Sudan’s economic renaissance.
“Mining is not just about extracting resources; it’s about building a future where every South Sudanese can thrive,” he said.
He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners to create a vibrant mining industry that prioritizes local content and empowers communities.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue engaging stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and women’s organizations, to ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably.
The government also plans to launch awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the opportunities in the sector and encourage participation in training programs.
As South Sudan takes bold steps to harness its mineral wealth, the outcomes of this meeting signal a renewed commitment to transforming the nation’s economic landscape.
With increased investment, robust policies, and a focus on inclusivity, the government aims to position the mining sector as a beacon of hope for a country striving for stability and prosperity