(Juba) – South Sudan is preparing to highlight its mineral potential to global investors at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 conference, scheduled to take place from 1–3 October in Cape Town, South Africa. Minister of Mines, Martin Gama Abucha, will represent the country at the event, which runs alongside African Energy Week under the banner “Invest in African Energies.”
Abucha is expected to take part in the Ministerial Forum, where he will outline South Sudan’s mining policy framework, available investment incentives, and infrastructure priorities designed to attract foreign direct investment. His participation comes as part of a broader government strategy to promote the country as a viable mining destination on the African continent.
Despite having significant mineral reserves—including gold, lead, and rare earth elements—South Sudan’s mining industry remains largely underdeveloped. The government is now working to unlock the potential of these untapped resources by inviting international collaboration and building strategic partnerships.
During the conference, Abucha will aim to present South Sudan’s commitment to building a sustainable and competitive mining value chain. The government has been seeking both public and private sector partners, with the objective of transforming artisanal and small-scale mining into a more formal, regulated, and profitable industry.
African Mining Week is considered one of the continent’s most important platforms for dialogue among financiers, geologists, developers, and policymakers in the extractives sector. South Sudan’s presence at this event reflects its ambition to gain visibility on the regional and global stage.
Since assuming office, Minister Abucha has made geological mapping a central part of the ministry’s agenda. These efforts are intended to reduce exploration risks for investors and provide clearer information about the country’s mineral deposits. In April 2025, South Sudan hosted a high-level delegation from Qatar that included officials and private investors. Discussions focused on expanding seismic exploration, establishing local gold refining operations, and increasing the extraction of lead and other essential minerals.
Qatar’s United Gold has already made initial investments in South Sudan, such as the creation of gold marketing stations to help formalise artisanal mining, which continues to be a major source of income for local communities.
The country is also expanding technical cooperation with South Africa to benefit from its advanced mining technologies and financial networks. Other partnerships include Russia’s ROSGEO, Canada’s CVMR, and the U.S.-based REE-Magnesium, all of which are working with South Sudan to enhance its geological data and encourage further exploration.
In late 2024, South Sudan’s state-owned oil firm, Nilepet, announced the discovery of key minerals following a six-month survey. In response, the government has revealed plans to establish a national mining company to help coordinate mineral resource management and ensure broader state involvement in the sector.
The upcoming AMW 2025 event provides a timely opportunity for South Sudan to promote its mineral development plans to a global audience.
Abucha is expected to use the platform to deepen ties with existing partners and forge new relationships that can bring in capital, technology, and expertise.
