By. Ajak John Ateng
Scientifically, South Sudan can be described as a classic greenfield geological terrain, meaning that large areas of the country have not yet been explored using modern exploration methods, despite being located within mineral prospective regional geological belts of East and Central Africa. Much of the available geological data is based on colonial-era mapping, scattered artisanal mining evidence, and limited reconnaissance studies, which are insufficient for informed decision-making.
Before mining is considered, the country requires systematic regional geological mapping at appropriate scales, starting with Basemaps, supported by airborne geophysical surveys such as magnetic, radiometric, and gravity data to identify subsurface structures, lithologies, and alteration zones associated with mineralization.
These datasets must then be followed by geochemical sampling of soils, streams, and rocks to define anomalies, and carefully designed drilling programs to determine ore grade and economic viability. Without this scientific foundation, mining projects risk being technically flawed, economically unsustainable, or environmentally destructive.
From an environmental science perspective, baseline studies are equally critical. South Sudan’s ecosystems, rivers, wetlands, savannahs, and forested zones have not been adequately characterized in terms of water quality, groundwater systems, biodiversity, and land-use patterns.
Mining without baseline environmental data makes it impossible to assess impact, manage waste, or design effective mitigation strategies. For any scientific environmental impact assessments, there should be hydrogeological studies to protect water resources, geotechnical assessments to ensure mine stability, and ecological surveys to safeguard sensitive habitats. Climate considerations, such as seasonal flooding and soil erosion, must also be integrated into mine planning to avoid long-term degradation.
Infrastructure and engineering constraints further reinforce the need for caution. Mining feasibility depends not only on geology but also on access to reliable energy, transport systems, water supply, and skilled technical labor. In South Sudan, limited road networks, absence of rail links, weak power generation, lack of laboratories and research institutions significantly increase technical and financial risk. Future scientific planning should therefore link mineral development with national infrastructure models that support both mining operations and broader economic use.
Finally, the socio-political dimension has scientific and technical relevance as well. Land ownership system, population distribution, and artisanal mining practices must be considered to avoid conflict and ensure responsible resource management. Data-driven governance supported by transparent reporting standards, independent regulatory institutions, and trained national geoscientists is essential to prevent the misuse of geological information and mineral revenues. In this context, South Sudan’s mineral wealth should be treated not as an immediate extractive opportunity, but as a long-term national asset that requires thorough scientific investigation, environmental stewardship, and institutional strengthening before responsible mining can safely and sustainably take place
President of the Geological Society of South Sudan
Email: geosssinfo21@gmail.com