Sudan: Minister Proposes Criminalizing Undocumented Gold Possession

• Sudan's Minister of Minerals, Noor Al-Daim Taha, announced proposals on September 28, 2026, to criminalize gold possession without official documents or with expired validity.
• This initiative is part of a broader effort to tighten management and enhance oversight of Sudan's mining sector.
• The Ministry of Minerals plans to implement electronic monitoring systems for traditional mining and streamline gold purchase and export operations.
• The Security and Defense Council previously decided to establish special courts for gold smuggling and other serious crimes.
• A ban on regular and auxiliary military forces from mining areas was also enacted by the Security and Defense Council.

On September 28, 2026, Minister of Minerals Noor Al-Daim Taha announced proposals aimed at criminalizing individuals found with gold lacking official paperwork or holding gold with expired legal validity.

Sudan is poised to introduce stringent new legal measures targeting the possession of gold without proper documentation. On September 28, 2026, Minister of Minerals Noor Al-Daim Taha announced proposals aimed at criminalizing individuals found with gold lacking official paperwork or holding gold with expired legal validity. This significant development underscores a concerted effort by Sudanese authorities to formalize the nation's gold sector and curb illicit activities.

The proposed Sudan illegal gold possession law is a cornerstone of broader initiatives to enhance regulatory oversight of the precious metal's circulation. It seeks to close loopholes that facilitate illegal transactions and tighten control over the movement of gold throughout the country. This move signals a clear intent to bring greater transparency and accountability to a sector often plagued by informal trade.

The announcement by Minister Noor Al-Daim Taha came during a Ministry of Minerals meeting, where arrangements for tightening the management of the mining sector were a primary focus. Chaired by the Minister himself, the discussions centered on bolstering oversight of both gold production and its subsequent circulation, alongside strategies to elevate institutional performance within the ministry. Attendees at this crucial gathering included Undersecretary Dr. Hind Siddig, directors from various ministry arms, representatives from affiliated companies, and officials from mineral economics security and mining security police.

During the meeting, participants also addressed the implementation of directives issued by the Prime Minister concerning the comprehensive accounting of produced gold. Furthermore, the agenda included discussions on streamlining purchase and export operations for the precious metal. A key technological advancement highlighted was the planned adoption and activation of electronic monitoring systems specifically designed for traditional mining operations, aiming to bring more rigor to this often-unregulated segment of the industry as part of the wider Sudan mining sector reform.

These legislative proposals build upon earlier decisions made by Sudan's highest security authority, the Security and Defense Council. Last month, the Council mandated the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to adjudicating serious offenses, including drug crimes, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and crucially, Sudan gold smuggling legislation violations. This move signifies a robust commitment to prosecuting those involved in illicit trade, providing a dedicated judicial framework for such cases.

In a related measure to assert greater control over mining regions, the Security and Defense Council also issued a directive prohibiting the presence of both regular and auxiliary military forces within mining areas. This ban aims to demilitarize these zones, potentially reducing opportunities for unofficial involvement in the gold trade and ensuring that oversight remains strictly within civilian regulatory bodies. These combined efforts underscore a multi-faceted approach to securing and formalizing the nation's valuable mineral resources.

The discussions around criminalizing undocumented gold possession are explicitly framed within the context of developing and strengthening the legislative framework governing gold circulation. The objective is to intensify supervision over the movement of the precious metal and to effectively seal off avenues for illicit dealings. This proactive stance reflects a national priority to harness the economic potential of gold resources while mitigating associated risks of smuggling and informal trade.

The proposed Sudan gold trade regulations represent a significant shift towards a more controlled and transparent gold market. By criminalizing possession without proper documentation, the government aims to create a deterrent against illegal mining and trade, compelling all participants in the gold supply chain to adhere to official procedures. This comprehensive approach, encompassing legal reforms, enhanced oversight, and dedicated enforcement, is designed to bring stability and legitimacy to Sudan's vital gold sector.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients involved in Sudan's gold sector must monitor these legislative developments closely. New laws criminalizing undocumented gold possession will necessitate a review of existing compliance frameworks and due diligence processes to mitigate legal and financial risks for clients engaged in gold mining, trade, or related financing activities.

Source: Reporting based on official statements from Sudan's Ministry of Minerals.