The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony - Credit: Governor Press Unit

Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has established a high-level committee to oversee and regulate artisanal mining activities, moving to curb the unregulated industry following a series of security and environmental concerns.

The nine-member state committee, formed under the Transitional Constitution of Central Equatoria State, is tasked with bringing structure to mining operations conducted by both individuals and private companies across the region.

The committee is chaired by the State Minister of Trade and Industry, with the Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development serving as Deputy Chairperson. The Commissioner General of the State Mining Authority will lead the secretariat as Secretary.

The inter-agency body includes representatives from:

1. The Juba Special Economic Zone
2. The State Revenue Authority
3. South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF)
4. National Security Service (NSS)
5. Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
6. Juba County Authorities

Governor Adil has mandated the team to assess ongoing mining sites, formulate regulatory strategies, and develop new rules governing the extraction and marketing of minerals. To ensure transparency, the committee must provide weekly updates and submit a final comprehensive report to the state government within 30 days.

The formation of this committee follows a period of heightened instability in the sector. Just last month, a violent attack at an artisanal mining site in Central Equatoria claimed the lives of over 70 people, highlighting the urgent need for state intervention and security presence.