Khartoum, July 9, 2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Federal Government and Rural Development, Eng. Mohamed Kortikela Saleh, met on Thursday with Minister of Minerals, Nour Al-Da’im Mohamed Ahmed Taha, to strengthen coordination between the federal government, states, and local authorities on regulating the mining sector and combating gold smuggling. Nour Al-Da’im said the discussions focused on improving coordination in the mining sector, curbing gold smuggling, addressing challenges facing gold production, and organizing mining markets according to modern standards. He identified locality-level mining activities and mineral processing complexes as priority areas requiring closer coordination, adding that the ministry is considering establishing model mining markets that meet international standards while introducing safeguards to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mining. The minister also announced that preparations had been completed for a conference of state walis and region governors on mining issues to strengthen coordination and improve sector governance. He noted the key role of the Geological Research Authority and the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company in maintaining close coordination with producing areas. For his part, Kortikela stressed the importance of stronger coordination between his ministry, the Ministry of Minerals, and state governments to improve regulation of mining activities. He welcomed the planned walis and governors’ conference as an important step toward clarifying responsibilities among federal, state, and local authorities. He also underscored the strategic role of the National Survey Authority in land management, mapping, and accurately defining mining areas to prevent jurisdictional overlaps and disputes.BH/BH