THE AFRICA TIMES | SOUTH SUDAN —
South Sudan’s Ministry of Mining has suspended mining licenses. The suspension affects Western Bahr el Ghazal State. This is in anticipation of a national geological survey.
Minister Martin Gama Abucha issued the ministerial order on October 30, 2025. New Exploration Licenses (EL) and Small-Scale Mining Licenses (SML) are suspended. The suspension took effect November 1 and continues until further notice.
Geological Survey Preparations
License Suspension
The licensing pause facilitates a comprehensive geological survey. This survey will commence in Western Bahr el Ghazal. Authorities consider the project crucial for mapping South Sudan’s mineral wealth. It is also expected to shape future investment in the sector.
Preparatory work precedes the official launch scheduled for January 28, 2026. The survey represents part of a larger agreement signed in 2023. This involves a seven-year Integrated Systematic Geological Survey.
Agreement with GETI
The government signed the agreement with China’s Geological Exploration Technology Institute (GETI) on December 24, 2023. The $70 million project faced delays. This was due to funding, logistical, and operational issues in Raja County.
Raja County reportedly holds significant mineral deposits. These include an estimated eight million tons of copper. Poor road infrastructure currently impedes access to these deposits.
Signing Ceremony Details
Dr. Cosmas Pitia, former undersecretary, signed for the government at the 2023 ceremony. Huang Yan represented GETI. Key officials witnessed the deal in Juba. They included Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga and Minister Abucha.
Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang was also present. Officials hailed the agreement as a milestone. They said it would quantify the country’s mineral resources for the first time.
Ministry Efforts to Restart Survey
Stakeholder Engagement
With the survey delayed, the ministry seeks to restart the process. Officials convened mining companies operating in Western Bahr el Ghazal on November 8, 2025. The purpose was to brief them on the licensing suspension and survey.
Minister Abucha encouraged private sector support. He described the survey as essential for building a data-driven mining industry. Stakeholders also discussed forming a Chamber of Mines. This body should coordinate sector interests and strengthen policy engagement.
Transparency Pledge
The ministry stated that the licensing halt creates clear conditions for survey teams. It also prevents overlapping claims before geological data is available. Officials pledged transparency as the process unfolds.
The January survey launch represents South Sudan’s most ambitious effort. It aims to systematically map its mineral potential. This will address a long-standing gap that has hindered investment since independence.
