Former Mining Company Director: Restricting Gold Exports to State Channels is a Sound Decision
Sudan Events – Rehab Abdullah
Dr. Mujahid Bilal Taha, former Director General of Sudan’s Mineral Resources Company, described the government’s decision to restrict gold exports exclusively through the Central Bank of Sudan as “a sound and unequivocal step.”
He explained that gold represents the state’s most strategic resource, and any mismanagement could result in losing control over the country’s primary economic lifeline.
Taha stressed that the state has the institutions and mechanisms to effectively manage the gold sector, though he pointed out the absence of a centralized, specialized body capable of leading the process efficiently. He noted that Sudan possesses significant expertise that only needs to be better structured under a flexible entity capable of bypassing bureaucratic obstacles.
He further argued that the term “smuggling” is often used without the backing of accurate data or statistics. Instead, he said, the real issue lies in a missing link within the gold production chain, which creates a gap between reported figures and actual exports—conveniently attributed to smuggling. With more precise analysis, he suggested, new terminologies could emerge that more accurately share responsibility between official data and realities on the ground.
Taha added that while the Ministry of Minerals, the Central Bank, and other state institutions are making significant efforts—though not always visible due to the nature of executive work—such initiatives should still be supported through expert opinions and constructive critique, as “sound advice is part of shared responsibility and a means of reinforcing official efforts.”
