Gold miners digging inside a pit. (Photo: Courtesy).

The Ministry of Mining has suspended the mining and exploration license for small-scale companies in Western Bahr el Ghazal State effective November 1.

According to an order dated October 30 and seen by Eye Radio, the ministry said the suspension is to pave the way for a countrywide geological survey.

In a separate order, the ministry summoned all holders of exploration and small-scale mining licenses in Western Bahr el Ghazal for an urgent meeting on November 4 at Pyramid Hotel in Juba.

The ministry directed all companies to attend the meeting without fail.

Western Bahr el Ghazal is among the states with known gold deposits, although there are no official records on the quantity of gold available.

Reports indicate that most gold mining takes place in Raja County, located northwest of Wau town, the state capital.

In March this year, the Commissioner of Raja County said five gold miners, including two security personnel, died inside a flooded pit at a mining site in the Dulu area.

Commissioner Adison Arkanjelo Musa said the miners were hired by a local mining company to assess the condition and accessibility of the cave when it suddenly collapsed, killing the five and injuring another.