(WAU) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Mining has suspended the issuing of exploration and small scale mining licences in Western Bahr el Ghazal as the government prepares to relaunch the country’s national geological survey, almost two years after the project stalled.
In an order dated 30 October 2025, Minister of Mining Martin Gama Abucha directed that no new Exploration Licences or Small Scale Mining Licences be issued in the state from 1 November onwards. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
The ministry stated that the halt is necessary to prepare a clear operating field for survey teams as the national mapping project begins in Western Bahr el Ghazal. The official launch of survey operations is set for 28 January 2026, with preparatory activities already ongoing in Raja County.
The geological survey forms part of a seven year Integrated Systematic Geological Survey agreement signed on 24 December 2023 between South Sudan and China’s Geological Exploration Technology Institute. The project, valued at seventy million United States Dollars, was expected to begin in 2024 but faced significant delays due to funding and logistical challenges, particularly in Raja County. The area is believed to contain valuable mineral deposits, including an estimated eight million tons of copper, but remains difficult to access because of poor transport infrastructure.
The 2023 agreement was signed in Juba by former mining undersecretary Dr Cosmas Pitia on behalf of the government, with Huang Yan signing for the Chinese institute. Senior officials, including Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster Dr James Wani Igga, Minister Abucha, and Chinese Ambassador Ma Qiang, attended the event, which was presented as a major step in identifying the country’s mineral resources.
With the project having stalled for two years, the ministry is now aiming to revive and complete the work. On 8 November 2025, the Government invited all mining companies operating in Western Bahr el Ghazal for a briefing on the suspension and the next phase of the survey.
Minister Abucha used the meeting to call on companies to support the process, explaining that reliable geological data is essential for building a strong and transparent mining industry. A statement shared with industry stakeholders showed that discussions also covered the possible creation of a Chamber of Mines, a body intended to coordinate private sector interests and strengthen dialogue with government.
The ministry said the temporary freeze on licensing is intended to prevent overlapping claims and disputes before credible geological data becomes available. It added that it would maintain transparency throughout the survey process.
If launched as planned in January, the geological survey will represent the country’s most comprehensive attempt to map its mineral potential since independence. The lack of reliable geological data has long been identified as a major constraint to investment, policy design and revenue generation in the mining sector.