Despite the devastating impact of ongoing conflict, Sudan’s gold production has surged to a record high of 64 tonnes, a remarkable 53% increase from 41.8 tonnes in 2022.
- Sudan’s gold production reached a record high of 64 tonnes in 2023, a significant 53% increase compared to 2022.
- The growth generated $1.57 billion in legal export revenue, providing vital support to Sudan’s struggling economy.
- Despite the increase, issues such as smuggling and insecurity hinder full economic benefits from gold production.
According to the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC), this growth generated $1.57 billion in legal export revenue for the conflict-torn nation’s struggling economy.
SMRC director Mohamed Tahir Omer announced the figures during a media briefing in Cairo, Egypt.
Notably, the surge comes amid the unending political rivalry between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has crippled the economy and displaced over 12.5 million people since April 2023.
Gold has been a vital source of foreign exchange and economic lifeline for Sudan as it battles some of its highest levels of inflation in history.
Omer highlighted the sector’s growth, noting that workforce capacity has expanded from 5% to 40%. He emphasized the mining sector’s potential, stating, “The mining sector has the ability to lead the country towards recovery and economic renaissance.”
The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company has also projected gold production of 37 tonnes in the first half of 2025, which is expected to bring in 403 billion Sudanese pounds in government revenue.
Smuggling, insecurity undermine Sudan’s gold gains
However, the country’s ability to benefit from its mineral wealth is being undermined by persistent smuggling and territorial insecurity.
According to SMRC’s director, “nearly half of the state’s production is smuggled across borders.”
Key mining sites along the borders of South Sudan and the Central African Republic are currently under RSF control, further complicating government oversight and revenue collection.
Estimates by international watchdogs such as Chatham House and Swissaid indicate that Sudan’s actual gold production could reach up to 80 tonnes annually, with a market value exceeding $6 billion.
However, a significant portion of this gold is believed to be traded illegally, with revenues allegedly fuelling both sides of the ongoing civil war; even as the country grapples with the world’s largest internal displacement crisis.
The stark contrast between official revenues and potential earnings underscores the structural challenges Sudan faces in leveraging its mineral resources for national recovery.
With the economy in turmoil and humanitarian needs going unmet, the fight to control gold revenues has become a defining factor in the country’s fragile political and economic future.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
