(WAU) – The Ministry of Mining has announced the suspension of all small scale mining and exploration licences in Western Bahr el Ghazal State starting from November 1, 2025, to allow for a nationwide geological survey.
According to a ministerial order dated October 30, 2025, the decision affects all companies currently operating in the state’s gold mining sector. The order, seen by Jakony.com®, stated that the move aims to assess the country’s mineral potential more accurately before any further exploration or commercial extraction continues.
The ministry has also summoned all holders of small scale mining and exploration licences in Western Bahr el Ghazal for an urgent consultative meeting on November 4 at Pyramid Hotel in Juba. Attendance has been made compulsory for all affected firms.
Western Bahr el Ghazal is widely known for its gold deposits, particularly in Raja County, northwest of the state capital Wau, though official figures on the volume of gold reserves remain unavailable. The suspension is expected to affect a number of small operators in the region who rely on artisanal and semi mechanised mining for income.
The decision follows several safety and environmental concerns raised in recent years. In March 2025, five miners, including two security officers, died when a flooded pit collapsed at a gold mining site in Dulu area of Raja County. The local Commissioner, Adison Arkanjelo Musa, said the victims had been hired by a local company to inspect a mine shaft that later gave way, killing five and injuring one.
Industry observers say the latest suspension could serve as a corrective measure to bring better regulation to a sector often marked by informal activity and unsafe practices. The move also signals the government’s intention to strengthen control over resource extraction, which has been dominated by small operators with limited oversight.
With South Sudan seeking to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, mining remains one of the country’s potential growth sectors. However, the new geological survey is expected to delay some operations while providing a clearer picture of the nation’s mineral wealth.
Details of Mining Suspension
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Area affected | Western Bahr el Ghazal State |
| Effective date | 1 November 2025 |
| Reason | Nationwide geological survey |
| Meeting for licence holders | 4 November 2025, Pyramid Hotel, Juba |
| Estimated number of affected companies | Several small and exploration firms |
| Key mining location | Raja County |
| Recent incident | 5 miners killed in Dulu area (March 2025) |
| Government objective | Regulation and accurate resource mapping |
The suspension adds to South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to formalise its mineral sector, where many small operators have worked without consistent environmental and safety standards.
According to a press release by the mining ministry, the survey could eventually lead to better structured mining policies and potentially attract larger investors once geological data becomes available.
