South Sudan plans to map its mineral resources

By Emmanuel Garjiek

The South Sudan government plans to conduct large-scale mapping across the country to assist determine the locations and sizes of new mineral reserves.
Speaking in Juba on Monday at the welcome for Dr. Matiok Santino Akuei, the new undersecretary, Mining Minister Martin Gama Abucha stated that in-depth geological studies will aid in the provision of knowledge on the country’s unique mineral resources.
“In the morning, I had to go to the Ministry of Finance, because one of the most important works of this ministry is a geological survey. We must map our resources so that we understand what we have and know what quantities we have so that we know where they occur,” he said. “So that is one of the things we want to do. We are going to make a geological survey and that is why I was in the Ministry of Finance.”
The minister emphasized the importance of creating maps and other data to help government agencies, mining businesses, and the general public identify, develop, and conserve valuable mineral resources.
Dr. Akuei, the new undersecretary of the mining ministry, stated that the country’s untapped mineral resources will assist economic growth.
“Today, we must plant the seed of investment and that will bear fruit for future generations. South Sudan is endowed with vast mineral resources, which include gold, copper, zinc, lead, rare earth minerals, uranium, organics, irons, diamonds, and precious minerals,” he said. “However, the potential of this sector remains largely untapped and this is the major challenge for our country and the economy.”
Dr. Coasmas Pitia, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Mining, was removed on February 20 by President Salva Kiir and replaced with Dr. Matiok Santino Akuei.