Minister of Finance, Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim, has called for improving plans to ensure effective oversight of mineral production in order to stop smuggling operations, urging states to assist in this regard. He noted that a significant portion of the country’s gold production has been smuggled. In his address during the First Hope Forum on Mining Issues held in Khartoum on Saturday, the minister affirmed the government’s support for expanding organized mining to protect the environment and preserve other minerals that are wasted during traditional mining activities. He added that the state is moving toward mobilizing domestic resources and achieving self-reliance by expanding the tax base without increasing tax rates, while enhancing revenues. He stressed that illegal levies are unacceptable and that the collection of fees on goods transported along roads crossing between states is prohibited. Dr. Gebreil Ibrahim pointed to the urgent need for the mining sector to contribute to improving services provided to citizens. He further stated that minerals are finite resources, necessitating the establishment of a special fund that safeguards the rights and share of future generations, in addition to building a strong gold reserve at the Central Bank. He explained that the Ministry of Minerals is proceeding in an organized manner toward developing the sector, noting that the national economy is going through a difficult phase and facing internal and external challenges that require greater domestic efforts to overcome. He affirmed that sound management of resources can lead to comprehensive economic recovery. The Finance Minister called for directing all available resources, including gold revenues, toward the agricultural sector and supporting the broader economy. He noted that the Armed Forces and joint forces are currently advancing on multiple fronts, which requires intensified efforts and strong support for them.BH/BH