Sudan to up gold production by 64 tons

On Sunday, Sudan announced a 64-ton increase in gold production this year, up from 34 tons in 2013. This signifies an important advance in exploitation of gold and minerals in the country, according to African Mining Brief. The Sudanese Minister of Minerals, Ahmed Mohammed Sadiq El Karuri confirmed the news and added that the country had anticipated a higher gold production of 70 tons of gold by close of this year. According to him, the country’s traditional mining practices accounts for 93% of gold production. Sudan’s gold production has, in terms of the country’s income, now replaced the country’s oil production, which until 2011 accounted for more than 50% of income, but decreased since the cessation of South Sudan, which now holds most of the oil reserves. Ahmed Mohammed promised to issue licenses to traditional mines and also limit them to work in specific areas so as to keep them away from any kind of danger and prevent smuggling. Source: African Mining Brief File photo: Gold miners in Jebel ‘Amer, North Darfur (Radio Dabanga) Related: Mining Ministry recommends more research in North Darfur (26 June 2014) Darfur gold concession winner warned-off by Hilal (17 April 2014)