Sudan Sets New Gold Export Record Amid Conflict

Sudan has shattered expectations by setting a new gold export record—$1.57 billion in legal sales—despite grappling with civil war, runaway inflation, and mass displacement. According to the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, the industry is rapidly expanding gold production is projected to generate 403 billion Sudanese pounds in revenue for the first half of 2025, and workforce capacity has surged from 5% to 40%.

But this surge in formal exports hides an uncomfortable truth—nearly half of Sudan’s gold is smuggled. Much of this occurs in regions controlled by paramilitary forces, especially the RSF, who oversee key mining zones beyond government reach. This undermines transparency, revenue collection, and any broader recovery strategy.

Experts estimate Sudan’s true gold output could hit 80 tonnes annually, translating into over $6 billion in potential market value. Yet only a fraction ends up in state coffers. It’s a striking case of untapped national wealth slipping through informal channels in a high-risk environment.

Sudan’s story is emblematic of resource-rich nations in conflict: vast potential, compromised governance, and the urgent need for reform. If you’d like, I can help explore how these ties into broader issues of extractive sector transparency and post-conflict economic stabilization. Would that align with your editorial focus