South Sudan’s Minister of Mining, Hon. Martin Abucha, is set to address the growing demand for critical and industrial minerals in the country at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2023 summit in Cape Town.
South Sudan, a nation with largely untapped mineral resources, has recently gained the attention of investors interested in its critical minerals.
In February, South Sudan revived joint agreements with neighboring Sudan, a well-established gold producer, to enhance cooperation in the mining sector.
Further reinforcing its commitment to mineral development, South Sudan engaged with South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in June.
They expressed readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at facilitating technology transfer and cooperation across various aspects of mining, including project development, beneficiation, and value addition.
Additionally, South Africa’s state-owned mining company, the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation, is actively seeking partnerships with South Sudanese firms.
These collaborations will focus on mineral valuation, capacity building, and the establishment of a mining-specific regulatory framework, among other strategic initiatives.
South Sudan boasts significant deposits of copper, estimated at approximately eight million tons, along with reserves of gold, diamonds, cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements.
Ongoing comprehensive geo-mapping efforts aim to determine exact reserve quantities, paving the way for future mining concessions.
CMA 2023 will provide a platform for established mineral producers worldwide to explore trade, development, and finance opportunities within South Sudan.
The nation is poised to initiate the early stages of its mining sector development, leveraging its abundant critical mineral resources.
