South Sudan’s government has announced its plans to work with Qatari gold firm United Gold Factory to establish mining marketing stations in mineral-rich areas in the country.
The marketing stations will be used to organize small-scale mining enterprises in South Sudan and facilitate the trade of refined extractive resources.
The marketing stations will also serve to formalize the mining sector, improving working conditions and hours, wages as well as health and safety concerns.
In addition to streamlining activities in the sector, support for local miners will also allow for better extraction techniques, sales and capacity building.
“They will have some satellite stations; that’s the marketing stations that they will buy from wherever artisanal miners are working, or if there’s any small-scale mining somewhere, then they can go and buy from there,” stated Undersecretary at the Ministry of Mining Dr. Cosmas Pitia.
United Gold Factory is expected to conduct feasibility studies while assessing areas estimated to contain a wealth of mineral resources.
“Our mission is to support the local miners by enhancing their gold extraction capacity,” stated United Gold Factory Country Coordinator Moses Thon Manyoun, adding, “We are also planning to open up a center in partnership with the government of South Sudan so that the gold dealers have a readily available market. We will be here to buy gold, and if there are huge quantities, we will set up a refinery.”
The announcement follows the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of Mining and United Gold Factory in January to establish a Public-Private Partnership to organize small-scale mining enterprises in South Sudan.
“We expect [United Gold Factory] to do feasibility studies,” continued Pitia. “They have to come and see where the marketing centers are.”
South Sudan’s sole gold refinery was constructed in Juba in March 2023. The refinery was constructed on collaboration with Egyptian gold refinery company BTC Gold.
BTC Gold has also formalized agreements with South Sudan’s government to mine, refine and export gold upon start of operations at the refinery.
It was noted during the announcement that the project requires substantial investment to remain viable and sustainable.
