Sudanese Standards Authority Tightens Oversight of Gold Testing Laboratories in Dar Mali, Suspends Non-Compliant Facilities
Atbara /
The River Nile State has witnessed a significant advancement in regulatory oversight and the strategic expansion of the consumer protection policy implemented by the Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) across the country. As part of this effort, the Authority carried out comprehensive technical inspections and audits of gold testing laboratories (XRF assay laboratories) at the Dar Mali market in Barbar Locality under a rigorous certification program for professionals engaged in precious metals analysis using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology.
The extensive field inspections reaffirm the Authority’s commitment to enforcing technical standards and ensuring that markets comply with approved specifications and regulatory requirements.
Mohamed Awad, representative of the Measurement and Calibration Department, stated that these inspections represent a decisive step toward ensuring full compliance with technical standards established to safeguard the national economy.
He explained that the inspections covered environmental conditions, general and technical requirements for laboratory equipment and supporting units, calibration of laser devices to verify measurement accuracy, and assessment of technicians’ competence. Laboratories that failed to meet the required standards were denied professional operating certificates and prohibited from carrying out testing activities until all identified violations are corrected, reinforcing the Authority’s commitment to accuracy, reliability, and mandatory compliance.
The Authority’s strong regulatory presence was widely welcomed by stakeholders and investors in the sector. Awad Al-Bari Hashim, owner of one of the laboratories in the market, praised the SSMO’s leading role and its regular inspections, noting that they contribute directly to improving performance and enhancing the working environment. He also commended the Authority’s transparency and cooperation in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory equipment.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Sayed Ahmed Omar, Director of the SSMO River Nile State Sector, said the initiative is part of the Authority’s vision to safeguard economic activities through hallmarking laboratories and to regulate the work of precious metals analysts by focusing on two key areas: strengthening laboratory management capacities and ensuring the competence of technical personnel.
He noted that these strict requirements apply to approximately 90 laboratories operating across the state.
Dr. Ahmed further revealed that more than 180 trainees have undergone specialized examinations to qualify for professional licenses in precious metals analysis.
He concluded by emphasizing the strong administrative coordination between the SSMO, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, and the Geological Research Authority to establish an integrated framework for managing economic activities in support of sustainable development in the state.
Dar Mali, one of the largest gold trading and processing complexes in the region, has covered an area of approximately 16 square kilometers since its establishment in 2015. It hosts around 460 milling and gold extraction facilities and serves as a major commercial and service hub that now operates under the comprehensive regulatory oversight of the Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization.