Sudan’s gold production soared to 64 tonnes in 2024—a 53% increase from 41.8 tonnes in 2022—bringing in $1.57 billion in legal export revenues, according to the State-owned Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC).
The announcement was made by SMRC Director Mohamed Tahir Omer during a media briefing in Cairo, highlighting the sector’s critical role in sustaining Sudan’s fragile economy amid an ongoing 27-month civil war. As traditional revenue streams collapse under the pressure of conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), gold has emerged as a cornerstone of national survival.
SMRC projects an additional 37 tonnes of gold production in the first half of 2025, expected to generate over 403 billion Sudanese pounds. Omer emphasised the potential of mining to lead economic recovery, noting that workforce capacity in the sector has surged from 5% to 40%. However, the gains are heavily undermined by rampant smuggling, with officials estimating that nearly half of Sudan’s gold output escapes through illicit channels—largely across porous borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Key gold mines are reportedly under RSF control, raising concerns that proceeds are being used to finance armed groups.
International observers, including Chatham House and Swissaid, estimate that Sudan’s true gold production could reach 80 tonnes annually, worth over $6 billion. The stark disparity between official revenues and actual output underscores the government’s limited control over its mineral wealth. As war continues to displace millions and drive the country toward famine, the unchecked gold trade is both a financial lifeline and a source of fuel for ongoing conflict, deepening Sudan’s humanitarian and economic crisis.