Sudan Issues 104 Mineral Exploration Licenses in First Half of 2026 Amid Continued Investment Activity

Khartoum /

Consultant Geologist and Secretary of the Technical Mining Committee at the Geological Research Authority, Mohamed Abdelgayyum, revealed that 104 exploration licenses were issued during the first half of 2026, reflecting the continued momentum of investment in Sudan’s mining sector despite the challenges facing the country.

Abdelgayyum explained that the licenses included 63 general exploration permits and 41 exclusive exploration permits. The committee also signed 27 new mining-tailings contracts and renewed two existing contracts.

In addition, nine small-scale mining contracts were issued, 45 trade names were approved for mining activities, and three miners’ quarry contracts (tripartite agreements involving the government, investors, and local communities) were concluded.

He noted that gold remains the primary driver of mineral investment in Sudan, accounting for approximately 90 percent of all exploration applications submitted to the Technical Mining Committee.

At the same time, both national and foreign companies are expanding their exploration efforts to include other minerals such as copper, iron, and lead.

Abdelgayyum pointed out that mining activities are increasingly concentrated in the Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states, which attract the largest share of investment and mining applications due to their relatively stable security conditions compared to other regions.

He emphasized that the Technical Mining Committee continues to play its role in regulating mining activities and facilitating technical and legal procedures for investors, thereby supporting investment growth and promoting the sustainable utilization of Sudan’s mineral resources to enhance the national economy.