The report, published by the Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR), reveals that while millions of dollars’ worth of gold is extracted and exported from the country each year, very little benefit reaches the local population or the national treasury.
Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal states are among the areas most affected, where artisanal mining is rampant but largely unregulated. Communities in towns such as Kapoeta and Boro Medina often work in unsafe conditions and see little to no return on their labor.
Yoaso Mototio, a senior geologist at the Ministry of Mining, acknowledged the extent of illicit activity in the sector. He cited a lack of geological mapping, porous borders, and low institutional capacity as major obstacles to regulation.
“We are aware of the illegal mining taking place,” he said. “But without proper mapping and enforcement tools, it’s difficult to monitor what’s happening on the ground.”
Mototio estimated that as much as 40 tons of gold may be leaving South Sudan each year without passing through official channels. Traders often outbid the government’s pricing, luring miners to sell through informal routes. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen monitoring, including the deployment of inspectors at Juba International Airport and a partnership with China to map the country’s mineral resources.
However, civil society leaders argue that the root problem lies in political will and enforcement. CSCNR Chairperson James Boboya said that, despite existing mining legislation, implementation remains weak.
“We found a disconnect between what the government claims and what is actually happening in the mining areas,” Boboya said. “The wealth from gold mining is real — but the communities are still suffering.”
According to the report, miners face hazardous working conditions and often return home with little income and food insecurity. Many feel excluded from decision-making and unaware of their rights under existing laws.
The report calls for urgent reforms, including better funding for the Ministry of Mining, stricter enforcement of mining laws, and meaningful collaboration between the government, civil society, and affected communities.
“It’s time to put local people at the center of resource management,” Boboya stated. He recommended the creation of a joint forum to oversee transparent and accountable practices in the sector.
As South Sudan continues to recover from conflict and political instability, questions over who benefits from the country’s natural wealth remain central to debates on sustainable development and governance.