Sudan’s Minerals Company Makes Breakthroughs in Combating Crime

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon

The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC) has announced that several individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities fled during a recent enforcement campaign in South Kordofan State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the company said the development followed the conclusion of a 10-day field operation targeting illegal mining practices and other violations in Al-Tadamun locality. The campaign forms part of the company’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight of the mining sector, enforce mining regulations, and promote environmental protection and safety standards.

Al-Sadiq Sandal, Head of the Environment and Safety Department and leader of the campaign, said a number of suspects managed to escape during the field operations.

“Despite their escape, the competent authorities have successfully identified them and initiated the necessary legal procedures against them,” Sandal said.

He added that efforts to track down and apprehend the fugitives will continue until they are brought to justice, stressing that the company will not tolerate violations of mining laws or illegal mining activities.

The operation was carried out in coordination with security forces, judicial authorities, and local government officials, covering the administrative areas of Baloula, Wakra, and Al-Tartar.

The campaign resulted in the seizure of eight tons of various chemical substances that had been improperly stored inside homes located in residential neighborhoods and markets in Baloula, Safoura, and Wakra.

Authorities also confiscated 56 water pumps used in unauthorized mining operations, 41 mixing machines, and three unlicensed processing facilities (“Sheeshna” units) operating outside the legal framework. In addition, they seized quantities of tarpaulins and cartridges used in illegal mining activities.

The company said 14 suspects were arrested and transferred to Abu Jubeiha to complete legal procedures before being referred to the courts.

Sandal noted that the campaign was conducted in line with directives from the SMRC’s Director General, who has designated the current year as the “Year of the Environment,” as well as instructions from the company’s Director in South Kordofan to strengthen environmental compliance and regulatory enforcement across the state’s mining sector.

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