Sudan has generated $1.5 billion in revenue from gold exports between January and October 2024, according to a senior government official. This income has become increasingly vital as the country navigates severe economic challenges caused by ongoing conflict.
Gold has emerged as a key financial resource for Sudan, offsetting the disruption of approximately 80% of the nation’s public revenues. These funds are essential for financing imports of critical goods, including fuel and wheat, as well as supporting the war effort.
Mohamed Taher Omer, director of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, announced during the closing session of an economic forum that $1.5 billion in gold export revenues had been deposited into the central bank. He emphasized the growing reliance on gold exports through formal channels.
Sudan’s gold sector employs around 2 million people, primarily in artisanal mining under challenging conditions. Artisanal mining accounts for approximately 80% of the country’s gold production, but a significant portion is lost to smuggling due to the government’s limited oversight of informal operations.
Omer disclosed that while 26 tonnes of gold were officially exported during this period, actual production exceeded 50 tonnes. He outlined government measures aimed at encouraging official exports, boosting revenue, and ensuring adequate funding for importing essential commodities.
“Gold plays a critical role in bolstering the state treasury, supporting the national economy, and sustaining the war effort,” Omer stated.
However, he noted that government control over gold production in Darfur has diminished, as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) now control much of the region. This shift has deprived the state of access to valuable resources from Darfur’s gold mines, further complicating Sudan’s economic recovery.
The reliance on gold underscores the fragile state of Sudan’s economy, with efforts continuing to formalize mining operations and counter smuggling activities amidst the ongoing conflict.
