(JUBA) – The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has referred the Mining Act 2012 (Amendment) Bill 2026 back to the joint Committees on Mining and on Legislation and Justice for further review and expansion.
Lawmakers noted that the bill requires broader consultation, including public hearings, because it concerns South Sudan’s valuable natural resources.
At the second reading, Oresto Lupara, a member of the joint committees, said the amendments align with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Transitional Constitution.
According to Lupara, the amendment seeks to reform the national mining law by establishing a legal framework for mining licences, royalties, corporate taxes, and annual rent. The aim is to attract investment, improve governance, enhance transparency, and ensure that mineral wealth benefits South Sudanese citizens.
“The bill also aligns with international standards, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), International Labour Organization conventions, the Labour Act 2017, and the Land Act 2009,” he said.
The committees issued recommendations including:
| Recommendation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Replace the word “States” with “Administrative Areas” | Clarify legal terms in the bill |
| Define “Mining” in Section 5, Chapter One | Provide clear legal interpretation |
| Construct a geological laboratory and mining library | Support research and sector development |
| Expedite South Sudan’s entry into EITI | Increase transparency and accountability |
| Fast-track Environment Policy and Bill 2025 | Address gaps in environmental legal frameworks |
| Establish South Sudan Chamber of Mines | Create a dedicated mining governance body |
However, Delmoi Abraham, a member of the SPLM party, described the committees’ report as shallow and needing further enrichment.
“This is not the bill we just passed. We need a critical look at every section to benefit the people of South Sudan,” Abraham said. “The country has many minerals. Bills concerning minerals need careful review, deliberation, and expansion.”
Abraham added that the report lacked depth and that public hearings had not been conducted.
The motion to refer the bill back was seconded by Dustman Joice, MP for Lainya County, Central Equatoria State. She stressed the need for thorough public hearings and for the responsible minister to attend the sessions.
Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Perimena Awerial, chaired the session and formally referred the bill back to the joint committees. She directed that the minister responsible be present during the next presentation to the Assembly.
