Mining in Sudan: Gold as the Destination of Ambitious Youth| Sudanow Magazine

Sudanow- Khartoum

Mining is considered one of the most important economic sectors in Sudan, with gold forming its cornerstone. The sector has contributed directly to supporting the national economy and providing employment opportunities for young people, despite the significant risks and challenges associated with this field.

In this context, Sudanow spoke to economic researcher Dr. Haitham Mohamed Fathi, who stated that Sudan is endowed with vast and diverse mineral resources, including iron, copper, silver, mica, talc, manganese, chromium (often accompanied by platinum), black sands, gold, marble, and many other minerals. Despite this enormous wealth, its impact on the local economy remains minimal.

Gold Production Could Exceed 107 Tons Annually

Sudan’s gold production peaked in 2017 at 107 tons. However, production declined sharply in 2023—the year the war broke out—to just 6.4 tons.

In 2022, gold topped Sudan’s non-oil exports, accounting for 46.3% of total external exports, with a value of USD 2.02 billion out of total exports amounting to USD 4.357 billion.

Dr. Haitham added, “In my assessment, the number of artisanal miners increased significantly after April 2023 due to the war.”

Despite the contribution of artisanal mining to foreign currency inflows, its benefits fall far short of the full potential that could be realized if the sector were properly regulated and gold exported through official state channels.

This requires combating smuggling and export chaos by regulating the presence of foreigners in mining areas, establishing a gold exchange, and activating the role of the Khartoum Gold Refinery to refine gold locally.

He stressed the need for government efforts to improve the living conditions of miners and to regulate the practice of this activity, which plays a vital role in absorbing unemployment, particularly among youth.

Dr. Haitham also noted that artisanal mining has serious environmental and health impacts on miners. Therefore, the government must implement appropriate measures to raise awareness among artisanal miners about the health risks associated with the use of chemicals, in addition to the effects of pollution, soil degradation, and damage to ecosystems.

The government should also strengthen measures against illegal mining and seek innovative solutions for traditional extraction and processing methods in gold mines.

Despite the increase in artisanal gold production, this has not been reflected in the Sudanese economy. The country exports thousands of kilograms of gold, yet there is no tangible benefit to the economic sector.

Miners risk their lives for money and may ultimately reap death instead of reward. As long as artisanal mining continues under these conditions, with no clear role for the state or for any organizations or community associations to provide social, living, and health support to miners, they will remain surrounded by risks that neither gold nor money can fully mitigate.

If adequate awareness were provided regarding proper tunnel excavation methods, safer gold extraction techniques, and the use of protective equipment against the dangers of mercury, gold—as a strategic resource—could become a driver for multiple sectors. The government could require that 5% or 10% of gold profits be reinvested in agriculture and livestock, and in establishing productive, income-generating, and sustainable projects in rural Sudan.

Between High Returns and High Risks

Despite the significant financial returns for miners, the profession is fraught with dangers. To examine both benefits and risks, Sudanow conducted phone interviews with several young people working in artisanal mining.

The first was Mohamed Kamal Ali, a student at the Faculty of Computer Science, Sudan University. He said his journey began when he accompanied his father, who transported food supplies and water tankers to mining areas in the Abu Hamad desert in River Nile State. During official holidays, he managed a tire repair shop and vehicle maintenance workshop owned by his father. Later, he joined other youths in gold prospecting.

He explained that he sometimes waited months for an opportunity to rent a detection device. Despite the risks and long waiting periods for those who do not own detection equipment, the returns are high and rewarding. He was able to improve his family’s living standards, assist his father, purchase household necessities, refurnish the home, buy a car, and even build and furnish part of the house in preparation for marriage—while still a student. Eventually, he managed to purchase his own detection device and work independently.

Mohamed Kamal continued, stating that artisanal mining provides employment opportunities for youth, but it carries risks. He appealed to the state and local authorities overseeing mining areas to give this sector special attention and care. These risks include well collapses that have claimed the lives of many youths due to improper digging, the spread of venomous insects such as scorpions and snakes, the absence of healthcare centers, scarcity of drinking water, and environmental pollution resulting from open defecation. He noted that if local authorities, in cooperation with state governments, addressed these issues, miners would contribute to solving the problems, leading to stable work and significant financial returns for youth, their families, and the region.

Harsh Desert Conditions

Another young miner, Hossam Ahmed Awad, who works in the Triangle area in northwestern Sudan, said that Sudan possesses vast gold and other mineral wealth but needs more state attention and care. Quantities are large and finding gold is not difficult, but the risks associated with the profession cause many youths to abandon it. The desert is harsh and unwelcoming, basic services are absent, and many youths suffer from psychological and mental illnesses.

He added that, as commonly believed, deserts are often inhabited by jinn, and gold is also guarded by jinn, which necessitates spiritual fortification through reading the Qur’an, reciting supplications, strengthening faith, and reliance on God, alongside determination and perseverance. The work is tempting and the returns are high, contributing to combating unemployment and improving living standards for individuals, families, and regions.

Sudanow also interviewed another miner, identified as A.F.H., who said he studied general electricity but unfortunately ended up employed in the health sector as a food inspector, where he encountered poor management and exploitation of authority by some colleagues, including bribery. He left the job and turned to gold mining on the advice of a friend.

His first destination was an area in northern Sudan known as Kouya, where he stayed for two months without success. He returned to Khartoum, borrowed money, and bought ready-made gold known as “Wahsh gold.” He then went to eastern Sudan, to an area called Al-Kalees, where he stayed another two months but failed due to disagreements with his companions.

Later, he managed to purchase a device known as GPZ and a vehicle and returned to northern Sudan in search of gold veins among mountains and valleys, eventually collecting 13 grams of gold. However, after paying fees to the locality, the Ministry of Mining, and milling costs, he was left with only 4 to 5 grams—representing the real hardship faced during stone milling.

He described the harsh desert conditions he endured, sleeping among snakes, scorpions, and insects. He also traveled to eastern Sudan, to areas such as Nouraya, Jabal Al-Nimr, and Al-Ansari, where he finally struck gold, with one sack yielding 41 grams. As Ramadan approached, he chose to return home to fast and celebrate Ramadan and Eid with his family.

Then the devastating war erupted, dispersing families, brothers, uncles, neighbors, and friends. During that period, his father fell ill, and with all hospitals and pharmacies closed, he could not leave his father or return to mining.

He concluded by saying that if his father recovers, he will return to mining, as it is the only refuge that allows one to provide for oneself, one’s family, and siblings, and to help those around them.

Conclusion

Artisanal mining in Sudan remains a double-edged sword. It opens the door to livelihoods for thousands of young people, yet simultaneously exposes their lives to severe risks. Gold is a strategic resource, but its true benefit remains contingent on the state’s role in regulating the sector, protecting its workers, and directing its revenues toward sustainable development.

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