Mineral Exploitation in South Sudan

South Sudan's deputy minister of petroleum and mining, Elizabeth James Bol, told Sudan Tribune that the country has "huge mineral resources", including gold, zinc, copper and diamonds, along with other minerals, potentially uranium, that have not yet been discovered. The minister stressed, however, that exploration activities were needed. South Sudan had not been geologically surveyed for minerals as of June 2011, according to a presentation by the country's Ministry of Energy and Mining, and adequate infrastructure is not yet in place to facilitate large-scale mining operations. Other requirements for major projects, such as accommodation and logistical support, are also not yet in place.

Some minerals have begun attracting investment, such as gold in Eastern Equatoria, Joungulei, Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria; limestone in Eastern Equatoria and Western Equatoria; iron ore in Western Bhar El Ghazel. Some foreign companies, such as SP Mining, a multi-national oil and mineral exploration company registered in Singapore, have expressed readiness to establish relations with the South Sudanese government and begin exploration in areas with potential mineral reserves.

Forestry
Forests make up 29% of the land area in South Sudan, or about 191,667 square kilometers, with potential for the production of high-grade timber, including teak, mahogany and ebony. These woods also provide potential for the production of high quality oils, such as shea and Gum Arabic.

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