Sudanhorizon Reveals the Scale of Gold Smuggling During the Past Year

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shammam Kimiya
Sudan’s export earnings from gold shipped through official channels declined to US$909.57 million by September 2025, compared with US$2.09 billion recorded in 2021.
Reports issued by the Ministry of Minerals and the Central Bank of Sudan indicate that an estimated 90 per cent of the country’s total gold production was smuggled during 2025.
An official report obtained by Sudanhorizon revealed a sharp decline in the share of total gold production exported through official channels. In 2020, official exports accounted for 99 per cent of total production, with 25.02 tonnes exported from an overall output of 25.2 tonnes. By September 2025, however, official exports had fallen to just 22 per cent, with 11.7 tonnes exported from a total production of 53.5 tonnes.
According to the report, this significant decline is largely attributable to the consequences of the policies governing gold purchasing and exports. It recommends a comprehensive review of the factors affecting the sector in order to prevent the gap from widening further.
The report also forecasts a sharp decline in official gold export revenues during the current year. It estimates that losses attributable to smuggling could reach 90 per cent, representing approximately US$5.54 billion in foregone export earnings.
Total gold production is projected to reach 56.616 tonnes by September 2026, while official exports are expected to amount to only 5.774 tonnes, equivalent to approximately 10 per cent of total output.
The report further highlights a growing number of security threats affecting mining companies operating in Sudan. These include encroachment by traditional miners into licensed concession areas, theft and looting of fuel and heavy equipment, community demands that companies cease operations and leave mining areas, and the closure of supply routes serving mining sites.
Sudan relies heavily on gold as its principal source of foreign exchange following the secession of South Sudan in 2011, which resulted in the loss of approximately three-quarters of the country’s oil revenues and around 80 per cent of its foreign currency earnings.

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