The Ministry of Petroleum has allowed South Sudanese who use simple hand tools for gold mining to operate in the sector without licenses.

South Sudan has deposits of gold, mainly in Eastern Equatoria.

The Director General for Mineral Development, Cosmas Pitia, says this is part of a new mining regulation signed by the minister last week.

South Sudanese companies which are using heavy machinery are required to apply and pay 15,000 pounds for a license while foreigners pay 15,000 US dollars.

Mr Pitia says traditional miners who want to use machines also have to apply for licenses.

“It’s prohibited to use sophisticated gadgets without getting license of operation legally from us, but without that, it is not allowed,” he told Eye Radio.

Mr Pitia urges companies who meet the criteria to operate in the mining sector to employ South Sudanese.