Sudanhorizon Reveals Reasons Behind Northern State’s Decision to Suspend Mining on Sai Island

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shammam

The Governor of Northern State, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Abdulhamid, has ordered the closure of Khor Musa Pasha in the Old Halfa area and suspended fishing activities there. He also issued an immediate order halting all mining operations on Sai Island after authorities documented what were described as serious environmental and archaeological violations.

Sudanhorizon has learned that the state government decided to close the water channel and ban fishing following a large-scale fish die-off caused by an algal bloom, as part of what officials described as decisive measures to protect the state’s environment and archaeological heritage.

The governor said field investigations found that several trucks involved in traditional mining had been washing mining waste and residual materials in the channel. He added that some miners had also been using the waterway for bathing, contributing to the deterioration of the site’s environmental conditions.

He said the state government treated the incident as a matter affecting environmental safety and natural resources and had taken the necessary measures to prevent similar damage from recurring.

On the protection of archaeological sites, the governor revealed that Sai Island’s historical sites had been subjected to widespread vandalism and looting. He said authorities carried out an urgent field intervention after identifying more than 48 heavy machines operating on the island in what he described as unacceptable mining excavation activities.

He explained that the state government had ordered the immediate suspension of all mining activities on the island to safeguard its cultural heritage and archaeological sites. At the same time, it plans to compensate communities on the island through a series of development and public service projects designed to balance heritage conservation with support for local residents.

The Governor of Northern State stressed that his administration would strictly enforce the law to protect natural resources and archaeological sites, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved through compliance with environmental standards and the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage for future generations.

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