Sudan Opens New Mining Partnership with China, Eyes Shift from Mineral Exploration to Value-Added Industrie

Report by: Haffiya Elyas

Sudan is stepping up efforts to develop its mining sector and attract new international investment and partnerships, leveraging its participation in the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin from September 10–12, as the country seeks to revive economic activity and expand investment opportunities in the minerals sector.
Sudan’s participation comes under the conference theme, “Win-Win Cooperation, Green and Smart Mining,” which brings together governments, companies, investors and experts from around the world to discuss strategic minerals, green and smart mining, digitalisation, mine rehabilitation, financing and investment.
Sudan’s delegation is headed by Minister of Minerals Nour Al-Daim Mohamed Ahmed Taha and includes senior officials and experts from the Sudan Geological Research Authority, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, Sudamin, Ariab Mining and the Ministry of Minerals.

Sudan Highlights Its Mineral Potential:

Sudan is using the conference to showcase its geological and mineral potential and promote investment opportunities in exploration, mine development, mineral processing and downstream industries.

Gold remains a major component of Sudan’s mining sector, while the government is also seeking to highlight investment opportunities in copper, iron, chromium, manganese and industrial minerals, as well as strategic minerals including lithium, tantalum, niobium and rare earth elements.
Minister Taha said a significant portion of these resources remains unexplored using modern technologies, stressing that Sudan is working to update geological databases and mineral maps, strengthen geological research and develop laboratory and mineral-processing capabilities.
Taha stressed that Sudan aims to move beyond the export of raw materials toward local processing and value addition, while developing infrastructure, transferring technology and building national capacities to increase the economic returns from mineral resources and create employment opportunities.

Green and Smart Mining on the Agenda:

The Minister reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to developing a more sustainable mining sector through greater use of renewable energy, improved water management, safer processing technologies and responsible environmental practices.
He also announced Sudan’s plans to deploy artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, remote sensing, drones, three-dimensional geological modelling and real-time monitoring systems in mineral exploration and mining operations.
Taha said China represents an advanced model in the use of technology in mining, creating opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries in mining technologies, services and knowledge transfer.

Sudan-China Cooperation Moves Toward Strategic Partnership:

As part of Sudan’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with China, Minister Taha held talks in Tianjin with China’s Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Head of the China Geological Survey, Xu Dacun, on developing cooperation in geology, exploration and mining and transforming existing cooperation between the two countries into strategic partnerships based on practical projects and programmes.
Taha said Sudan views cooperation with China as an important opportunity to benefit from Chinese expertise and advanced technologies in geological surveying, exploration, mineral assessment, mining and modern technologies.

He expressed Sudan’s interest in updating its geological database, conducting modern geological surveys and exploration, assessing mineral reserves, developing national capacities and transferring technology, knowledge and training.
For his part, the Chinese official affirmed China’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Sudan in the natural resources sector, saying Chinese institutions are prepared to work with their Sudanese counterparts on practical programmes and projects in geological surveying, exploration, scientific research, training and the exchange of expertise and technology.

MoU Paves the Way for a New Phase of Cooperation:

The talks were followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sudan Geological Research Authority and the China Geological Survey (CGS), in the presence of the Minister of Minerals, Sudan’s Ambassador to China Omer Issa, and a number of officials and experts from both sides.

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in geological surveying, mineral exploration, geological research and studies, data and expertise exchange, training and capacity building, as well as the development and application of modern technologies.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for more structured joint programmes and projects and strengthen institutional cooperation between geological and mining authorities in the two countries.

From Raw Mineral Exports to Value Addition:

Sudan’s moves at the China Mining Conference reflect an effort to reshape international cooperation in the minerals sector so that it goes beyond the extraction and export of raw materials to include technology transfer, localisation of knowledge, skills development, local mineral processing and the establishment of value-added industries.

Sudan sees its partnership with China as an opportunity to benefit from advanced expertise and technology in developing its geological resources, while its substantial mineral potential offers Chinese companies and institutions opportunities to invest in exploration, mining and geological services.

Through these efforts, Khartoum aims to transform its mineral wealth from largely untapped resources into productive projects, industries and investment opportunities, while strengthening the contribution of the mining sector to economic recovery, reconstruction and sustainable growth in the coming period.

A Global Platform for Mining Investment and Cooperation:

The China Mining Conference and Exhibition (CHINA MINING) was first held in 1999 and has since developed into one of the world’s major international events for the mining industry. The conference brings together government officials, mining companies, investors, geological experts and industry professionals to discuss mineral resources, exploration, investment, technology and international cooperation.

Over the years, CHINA MINING has expanded its focus beyond traditional mining to include the entire mineral resources value chain, while placing increasing emphasis on technological innovation, green and sustainable mining, and international investment partnerships. The event has been held in Tianjin, a major industrial and port city in northern China, and has become an important platform for countries and mining companies seeking investment, technology and strategic partnerships.

The 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition, held in Tianjin from September 10–12, 2026, continues this tradition under the theme “Win-Win Cooperation, Green and Smart,” highlighting international cooperation and the transition toward more sustainable and technology-driven mining.