(JUBA) – Central Equatoria State has taken a step towards formalising and regulating mining activities after the State Assessment and Regulatory Committee submitted a draft mining regulation for approval by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.
The draft document was presented to the Governor in Juba following a review of artisanal mining operations carried out across various sites within the state. The committee was mandated to assess current activities and develop a framework for improved regulation and oversight.
Governor Adil commended the committee for completing the draft, describing it as an important contribution to strengthening the state’s economic base and supporting diversification beyond traditional revenue sources.
He endorsed the draft proposal and directed the State Minister of Trade and Industry to begin work on its implementation without delay, signalling government interest in accelerating reforms in the mining sector.
The proposed mining regulation is designed to establish a formal legal framework governing mining operations within Central Equatoria State. It focuses on key areas including inspection systems, compliance requirements, environmental protection standards, enforcement mechanisms and licensing procedures.
Officials said the framework is intended to bring greater structure to artisanal mining activities, which have expanded in several parts of the state but have operated with limited formal regulation.
The move comes as Central Equatoria seeks to improve management of natural resources and increase state revenue while ensuring that mining activities comply with environmental and safety standards.
Artisanal mining remains an important source of income for many communities, but authorities have raised concerns over informal operations, environmental impact and limited regulatory oversight.
The new draft regulation is expected to support better coordination between government institutions, improve monitoring of mining sites and create clearer rules for operators and investors in the sector.
State officials say improved regulation could also help attract more responsible investment into mining, while reducing illegal or unregulated extraction activities.
Once operationalised, the framework is expected to serve as a foundation for licensing, inspection and enforcement activities, marking a shift towards more structured governance of the mining sector in Central Equatoria.