The Ministry of Mining in South Sudan has initiated a review of the country's mining policy, strategic plan, and legal and regulatory framework, 14 years after the implementation of the Mining Act. This review aims to address gaps and weaknesses in the country's mining governance system. The Ministry has been implementing the Mining Act since 2012 and the Mining Unit Regulation of 2015 for 11 years, gaining valuable experience and identifying areas for improvement.
Director General of the Geological Survey at the Ministry of Mining, Eng. James Yousuf Kundu, emphasized that the review is crucial for the development of the country's mining sector. He urged stakeholders to participate actively in the review process to ensure the proposed documents effectively address the sector's needs. Kundu stated that the final reports will be shared with stakeholders upon completion of the review.
The review is one of four activities supported by a project financed by the African Development Bank. The project includes developing a strategy for South Sudan's mining sector, analyzing the regulatory landscape, and reviewing the mining policy, strategic plan, and revising mineral title regulations. Kundu reported that two activities have been implemented, and the third one is nearing completion.
The review process involves examining the draft mining policy and strategic plan, as well as proposed amendments to the Mining Act 2012 and the Mining General Capital Regulation 2026. Project Coordinator Emmanuel Michael stated that the gathering provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their views and inputs to strengthen the proposed documents.
Kundu appealed to the African Development Bank to expand its support for the mining sector through larger-scale projects. He emphasized that the ministry requires continued support to develop the sector. The Ministry of Mining is working to ensure that the proposed documents effectively address the needs of the sector.
The review process is designed to ensure that the mining policy, strategic plan, and legal and regulatory framework are fundamental to the development of the country's mining sector. Kundu emphasized that the experience gained over the years has enabled the ministry to identify gaps and weaknesses that require an updated framework.
The Ministry of Mining aims to develop a roadmap for South Sudan to join and implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard. The review of the mining policy, strategic plan, and legal and regulatory framework is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The Ministry is working to ensure that the sector is developed in a transparent and accountable manner.
Key points
- The Ministry of Mining in South Sudan has initiated a comprehensive review of the country's mining policy, strategic plan, and legal and regulatory framework.
- The review aims to address gaps and weaknesses in the country's mining governance system.
- The African Development Bank is supporting the review process through a project that includes developing a strategy for South Sudan's mining sector.
