South Sudan’s government has suspended the issuance of mining licenses in Western Bahr el Ghazal state to allow for a nationwide geological survey, the Ministry of Mining said on Thursday.
Mining Minister Martin Abucha issued an order halting all exploration and small-scale mining licenses in the state, effective November 1.
The ministry said the moratorium was intended to “prepare for the Ministry of Mining starting to undertake a Geological Survey of the Republic of South Sudan,” according to an order obtained by Radio Tamazuj Thursday. The survey is expected to map and regulate the country’s largely untapped mineral resources.
In a separate directive, Minister Abucha summoned all current license holders in Western Bahr el Ghazal to an urgent meeting on November 4 at the Pyramid Hotel in Juba. “All companies operating in Western Bahr el Ghazal State must attend without failure,” the statement said, without specifying the agenda.
The discussions are expected to cover the suspension, the survey process, and the government’s expectations for ongoing operations during the moratorium.
It remains unclear how many companies are currently operating in Western Bahr el Ghazal, as the government has never disclosed the number of active license holders in the state.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, relies almost entirely on oil for revenue but has been seeking to diversify its economy. Officials say the mining sector could become a key source of income, with potential deposits of gold, copper and other minerals identified in parts of the country.
However, the industry has been slowed by insecurity, poor infrastructure and weak regulation. The ministry did not indicate how long the suspension would remain in force.