Sudan has recorded a major increase in gold production and exports, with the country’s gold export earnings reaching approximately $2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026.
The latest figures, released by the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company (SMRC), show that the country’s mining sector has achieved its strongest performance on record despite the continuing economic difficulties and conflict affecting Sudan.
According to the state-run mining regulator, gold exports generated about $2.292 billion between January and September 2026. The company also reported that domestic government revenue from the mining sector reached 1.886 trillion Sudanese pounds during the same period.
The revenue figure was reportedly 31% above the target set for the period, highlighting the growing importance of gold to Sudan’s finances.
Gold Production Surpasses 2026 Target
Sudan’s gold production has also exceeded expectations.
The Sudanese Mineral Resources Company said total production had reached 105% of the annual target for 2026, even though the year had not yet ended.
SMRC Managing Director Mohamed Taher Omer praised employees in the mining sector and commercial partners for their contribution to the results.
He also called for continued improvements in digital systems and stronger safety measures within the mining industry.
The government has increasingly looked to the gold sector as an important source of foreign currency and public revenue as the country struggles with the economic consequences of the ongoing war.
Sudan Battles Gold Smuggling
Despite the impressive official figures, Sudan’s gold industry has long faced a major challenge from illegal exports and smuggling.
Authorities have been attempting to bring a larger share of the country’s gold trade into official channels in order to increase government revenue and improve oversight of the sector.
The scale of the problem has been evident in previous production and export figures.
Sudan was estimated to have produced about 70 metric tonnes of gold in 2025, but only around 14 tonnes were recorded as formal exports by the country’s central bank.
The significant difference between estimated production and officially recorded exports has raised concerns over gold being moved through unofficial routes and across borders.
Gold Becomes Crucial to Sudan’s Economy
Gold has become increasingly important to Sudan’s economy, particularly as the country continues to deal with the effects of its conflict and disruptions to other economic activities.
The latest export figures indicate that the government is making progress in increasing the amount of gold entering formal trading channels.
In August, Minerals Minister Nour al-Daem Taha said official gold exports during the first six months of 2026 had already matched the total amount officially exported throughout 2025.
That development pointed to a significant increase in formal gold sales even before the latest nine-month figures were announced.
The government hopes that improved regulation of the sector will allow more of the country’s mineral wealth to contribute directly to public finances.
Mining Sector Faces Need for Greater Oversight
While increased gold revenue provides a boost to Sudan’s economy, authorities still face challenges in regulating the industry.
Traditional and industrial mining operations need effective monitoring to ensure that production is properly recorded and that workers operate under safer conditions.
The SMRC has therefore placed emphasis on digital reforms and stronger safety oversight as part of efforts to modernise the industry.
Better tracking of production and exports could also help authorities reduce the amount of gold leaving the country through unofficial channels.
For Sudan, increasing formal exports could provide additional foreign exchange at a time when the economy remains under severe pressure.
Gold Offers Economic Lifeline Amid Conflict
Sudan’s gold industry has continued to operate despite the country’s prolonged conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The war has caused widespread economic disruption, displacement and damage to infrastructure, while also placing enormous pressure on government finances.
Against this background, the gold sector has emerged as one of the country’s most significant sources of export revenue.
The latest $2.292 billion export figure demonstrates the scale of the sector’s contribution. However, the continued gap between estimated production and officially recorded exports shows that Sudan still has considerable work to do in tackling smuggling.
If authorities can strengthen regulation and keep a larger share of gold within official markets, the sector could become an even more important source of revenue and foreign currency for the country.
For now, the record performance reported for the first nine months of 2026 represents a rare positive development for Sudan’s struggling economy.
