How much gold does Sudan have?
Sudan is a country located in North-East Africa with a vast amount of natural resources. Sudan is the third-largest gold-producing country in Africa, after South Africa and Ghana. In recent years, Sudan has experienced a gold rush, with large-scale gold discoveries and investment in mining activities.
Sudan’s Gold Reserve
According to recent reports, Sudan has a gold reserve of approximately 105 tonnes. The gold is produced from conventional heap leach processing of open-pit mining operations. Sudan’s gold production has increased significantly in the last decade, from 7 tons in 2008 to at least 93 tons in 2021. There are around 150 gold mining companies operating in Sudan, with the majority owned by foreign companies.
Gold Mining in Sudan
Gold mining has been a significant industry in Sudan since ancient times, and the country has a long history of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. However, it was only in the mid-1990s that Sudan began to attract significant investment in the mining sector, including gold. In 2010, Sudan opened up its gold market to international sales, which led to a surge in investment from countries such as China.
Investment in Sudan’s Mining Sector
Sudan’s mining sector has attracted several international investors in recent years due to its vast potential for minerals, including gold. According to the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals, the country produced $2.3 billion worth of minerals in 2019, with gold accounting for the majority of the revenue. Sudan allows 100% foreign ownership of mining companies and provides tax holidays and other incentives to encourage investment.
Environmental Issues
Large-scale mining activities in Sudan’s gold mines have caused several environmental issues. The use of cyanide in mining operations has led to water and soil contamination, which poses a significant threat to the health of local communities. In recent years, there have been concerns about the use of mercury in gold mining, which can lead to severe health problems for miners and their families.
The Sudanese government, in collaboration with international organizations like UNDP, has implemented several initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of gold mining, including regulating the use of chemicals and ensuring that mining companies have proper waste disposal facilities.
Conclusion
Sudan is the third-largest gold-producing country in Africa, with a gold reserve of approximately 105 tonnes. The country has experienced a gold rush in recent years due to large-scale gold discoveries and investment in the mining sector. Sudan’s mining industry, including gold mining, has attracted several international investors due to its vast potential for minerals. However, large-scale mining activities have caused several environmental issues, and there is a need for more sustainable mining practices to minimize its impact on the environment and improve the health of local communities.
