104 Exploration Licenses Issued in Six Months, Mostly for Gold

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon
The Secretary of the Technical Committee for Mining at the General Authority for Geological Research, Mohamed Abdel Qayyum, has revealed the issuance of 104 exploration licenses during the first half of 2026.
This indicator reflects the continued investment activity in the mining sector despite the challenges facing the country.
Abdel Qayyum explained that the licenses granted included 63 general exploration licenses and 41 exclusive exploration licenses. In addition, 27 new contracts were signed for mining waste, and two contracts were renewed. Furthermore, nine small-scale mining contracts were issued, and 45 trade names were granted for operating in the sector. Three contracts were also signed for mineral processing (tripartite contracts), which involve the state, the investor, and the local community.
Abdul Qayyum added that gold remains the primary driver of mineral investment in the country, accounting for approximately 90% of all exploration applications submitted to the Technical Committee for Mining. Meanwhile, national and foreign companies are exploring other minerals, including copper, iron, and lead.
He noted that mining activity is concentrated in the Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern states, which have become the primary destinations for investment and mining applications, benefiting from their relative security compared to other regions in western parts of the country
Abdul Qayyum affirmed that the Technical Committee for Mining continues to play its role in regulating mining activity and streamlining technical and legal procedures for investors, thereby contributing to increased investment and the utilization of mineral resources in a way that adds value to the Sudanese economy.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=15122