Geological Research Authority Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Upgrade State Offices and Boost Mining Sector Contribution
The Director General of the Geological Research Authority , Consulting Geologist Ahmed Haroun Al-Tom, has announced that the Authority is implementing a comprehensive program to develop its state offices through capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, and the expansion of productive projects, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and strengthening the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Speaking during a meeting with staff of the Authority’s Northern State Office, headed by Consulting Geologist Makki Omar Saleh, Al-Tom said the Authority aims to complete the requirements for an improved work environment by the end of 2026. These include providing transportation, solar energy systems, and essential work equipment, in addition to launching a structured training program based on staff classification according to their technical levels to ensure more effective and specialized training.
He noted that the program has started in the Northern State and will gradually be expanded to other states.
Al-Tom also revealed that the Authority is moving toward diversifying its sources of income through productive projects in partnership with the private sector. He stated that the Salt Project has completed all contractual procedures and is expected to enter the operational phase in the near future as part of efforts to maximize the added value of Sudan’s mineral resources.
Meanwhile, the Authority’s Director of Finance and Human Resources, Issam Al-Din Babiker Ahmed, affirmed that the senior management has given considerable attention to state offices through continuous field visits, which have contributed to improving the work environment and enhancing performance, particularly in the Northern State.
He added that despite the challenges caused by the war, the Authority is proceeding with an institutional reconstruction plan that includes improving employees’ terms of service, drafting a new law governing the Authority, and implementing productive projects to strengthen financial sustainability.
In the same context, the Director of State Offices, Geologist Al-Tayeb Jalis, said the Northern State Office has made significant progress in upgrading its technical and administrative infrastructure after completing most of the first-phase requirements, while preparations continue for the second phase with the support of the Authority’s senior management.
He further noted that the office is preparing to participate in the Comprehensive Geological Survey Project and is also following up on the Marble Project through specialized technical studies. He stressed that the Northern State possesses the necessary potential to become a model state office in supporting geological research and advancing Sudan’s mining sector.