Writer: Yiep Joseph
Stakeholders have gathered in Juba to validate proposed reforms to the country’s mining laws and policies.
The two-day workshop brought together government officials and representatives from various institutions to review and validate the proposed Mining Policy, Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and amendments to the Mining Act 2012.
The meeting provided stakeholders with an opportunity to assess the proposed documents, identify gaps, and make recommendations before their finalisation.
James Yousif Kundu, Director General for the Geological Survey at the Ministry of Mining, said the review comes at an important time after years of implementing existing mining laws and regulations.
“The review of our legal framework has come at the right time,” he said.
Kundu urged participants to actively contribute to the validation process, saying the mining policy, strategic plan, and legal framework are essential for developing the sector.
He said the ministry has gained valuable experience from implementing the existing laws, which should inform the proposed reforms.
“The mining policy, strategic plan, and legal and regulatory framework are the basis for the development of the mining sector in any country,” Kundu said.
He also identified limited geological data as one of the major challenges facing the mining sector.
According to Kundu, reliable information about South Sudan’s mineral resources is necessary to support investment, planning, and informed decision-making.
The workshop also considered concerns surrounding child labour and the environmental and social impacts of mining.
Stakeholders noted that failure to address such concerns could affect communities and discourage responsible investors from participating in South Sudan’s mining sector.
Francis Drake, a consultant supporting the process, presented the proposed mining policy to participants during the workshop.
His presentation focused on the proposed policy and its strategic direction for the development of the mining sector between 2026 and 2030.
The consultation is intended to allow stakeholders from different institutions to provide input before the policy and related legal documents are finalised.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Michael, Project Coordinator of the Project Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, called for continued support from the African Development Bank.
“We appeal to the African Development Bank to continue supporting the Ministry of Mining and consider larger projects that can contribute to the sustainable development of South Sudan’s mining sector.”
Michael said the African Development Bank-supported project includes several activities aimed at strengthening the mining sector.
These include developing a sector strategy, analysing the regulatory landscape, reviewing the mining policy and strategic plan, and reviewing mineral title regulations.
The two-day validation workshop is expected to contribute to the finalisation of the proposed reforms and provide a stronger framework for developing South Sudan’s mining sector over the next five years.