Sudan, South Sudan: Activate Mining Technical Cooperation Agreement

• Sudan and South Sudan agreed on September 12, 2026, to activate technical cooperation in the mining sector.
• The agreement includes implementing existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and forming a joint technical team to oversee cooperation.
• South Sudan aims to develop its mining sector and attract investment to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependence.
• The nation's diverse mineral resources remain largely unexplored due to limited geological studies since the mid-20th century.
• The agreement was reached in Tianjin, China, during a mining conference, with Sudan offering its expertise in sector development.

Lawyers advising clients on mining or natural resources in South Sudan should closely monitor the progression of this technical cooperation and the actual activation of these MoUs, as it strongly indicates potential for new investment opportunities, revised regulatory frameworks, or the emergence of joint venture structures within the sector.

On September 12, 2026, Sudan and South Sudan reached a significant understanding to invigorate their collaborative efforts within the mining sector. The agreement, forged during a meeting between Sudan's Minister of Minerals, Nour Eldaim Mohamed Ahmed Taha, and his South Sudanese counterpart, Losuba Wongo, took place on the sidelines of the China International Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin, China. This high-level discussion centered on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in mineral resource development.

The recent agreement signals a renewed focus on formalizing and implementing existing frameworks for cooperation. The activation of previously signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) is a critical step, transforming earlier commitments into actionable programs. The joint technical team, specifically mandated to oversee cooperation files and ensure ongoing coordination, will play a pivotal role in translating these agreements into tangible progress, fostering Sudan South Sudan mineral resources cooperation.

According to a press release issued by the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals on Saturday, the discussions between the ministers also explored avenues for leveraging Sudan's established expertise in organizing and developing its own mining sector. This transfer of knowledge is expected to contribute significantly to the structured growth of South Sudan's nascent mineral industry. Lawyers advising clients on mining or natural resources in South Sudan should closely monitor the progression of this technical cooperation and the actual activation of these MoUs, as it strongly indicates potential for new investment opportunities, revised regulatory frameworks, or the emergence of joint venture structures within the sector.

For South Sudan, this enhanced collaboration holds substantial strategic importance, particularly in its broader economic diversification agenda. The nation possesses a variety of mineral resources, yet their precise scale and economic viability remain largely undetermined. This lack of definitive data stems from limited exploration activities and geological surveys conducted since the mid-20th century, leaving much of its mineral wealth untapped and unquantified.

Juba is actively pursuing the development of its mining sector, aiming to attract significant investment into mineral exploration and development. This initiative is a cornerstone of its strategy to reduce its heavy reliance on oil revenues and build a more resilient, diversified economy. Both ministers underscored the mutual benefits of developing technical cooperation and sharing the accumulated knowledge and experiences of their respective countries, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the minerals sector and maximizing the utilization of their shared resources, thereby boosting South Sudan mining sector development.

Lawyers advising clients on mining or natural resources in South Sudan should monitor the progress of this technical cooperation and the activation of MoUs, as it signals potential for new investment opportunities, revised regulatory frameworks, or joint venture structures in the sector.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune