Comprehensive Geological Survey Tops Priorities as First Hope Forum Charts a New Roadmap for Sudan’s Mining Sector
The Director General of the Geological Research Authority, Geological Consultant Ahmed Haroun Al-Tom, participated in the First Hope Forum on Mining Issues (Challenges and Solutions), organized by the Ministry of Minerals in Khartoum State on Saturday under the theme: “Towards Responsible Mining and Balanced, Sustainable Development.
” The forum was held under the patronage of the Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and attended by Prime Minister Professor Kamil Idris, along with federal ministers, state governors, and senior leaders from the mining sector.
In his opening address, Prime Minister Professor Kamil Idris stressed the importance of regulating and formalizing traditional mining in a way that safeguards the interests of the state, protects miners’ rights, and minimizes environmental impacts. He praised the Ministry of Minerals’ strategic plan, particularly the Comprehensive Geological Survey Project, describing it as a cornerstone for building a reliable scientific database to support sound planning and attract investment in the mining sector.
For his part, Minister of Minerals Noor Al-Daem Taha explained that the forum forms part of the ministry’s 2026–2030 strategy, which aims to modernize the mining sector and strengthen its contribution to the national economy by promoting good governance, combating mineral smuggling, protecting the environment, and maximizing the added value of Sudan’s mineral resources.
The forum featured several specialized papers, including one presented by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Dr. Hind Siddig, titled “The Mining Sector: From Overlapping Mandates to Integrated Roles for Enhancing the Sector’s Contribution to Comprehensive and Sustainable Economic Development.” Discussions also focused on legislative reform, the regulation of traditional mining, environmental protection, and improving coordination between the federal government and state authorities.
The forum concluded with the endorsement of the National Mining Issues Document, which was officially approved by the Minister of Minerals before being presented to the Prime Minister. The document is expected to serve as a national reference guiding future mining policies and the implementation of strategic projects—foremost among them the Comprehensive Geological Survey Project—to support sustainable development and maximize the benefits of Sudan’s mineral wealth.