By South Sudan Mining Journal Since the establishment of the Ministry of Mining in 2016, South Sudan has witnessed the leadership of five ministers who have played varying roles in shaping the country’s emerging mining sector. Each minister contributed to laying the institutional, legal, and policy foundations aimed at transforming mining into a strategic pillar for economic diversification beyond oil. 1. H.E. Taban Deng Gai First Minister of Mining (2016) H.E. Taban Deng Gai became the fi
By South Sudan Mining Journal
Since the establishment of the Ministry of Mining in 2016, South Sudan has witnessed the leadership of five ministers who have played varying roles in shaping the country’s emerging mining sector. Each minister contributed to laying the institutional, legal, and policy foundations aimed at transforming mining into a strategic pillar for economic diversification beyond oil.
1. H.E. Taban Deng Gai
First Minister of Mining (2016)
H.E. Taban Deng Gai became the first Minister of Mining following the establishment of the Ministry in 2016 before later assuming higher national leadership responsibilities as Vice President for the Infrastructure Cluster.
Although his tenure at the Ministry was relatively short, his appointment marked the formal beginning of South Sudan’s independent mining governance framework. During this formative period, the Ministry focused primarily on institutional establishment, administrative structuring, and initiating government oversight of the mining sector.
Key Contributions
Oversaw the initial establishment of the Ministry of Mining
Supported early institutional and administrative formation
Initiated coordination on mineral sector governance
Helped position mining within the national economic diversification agenda
2. Hon. Gabriel Takuj Deng
Minister of Mining (2016–2020)
Hon. Gabriel Takuj Deng succeeded H.E. Taban Deng Gai and served as Minister of Mining for approximately four years, becoming one of the early architects of South Sudan’s mining administration.
During his tenure, the Ministry focused on strengthening regulatory systems and attracting investment into the country’s untapped mineral sector. His leadership coincided with increased regional and international interest in South Sudan’s mineral potential.
Key Contributions
Strengthened early mining regulatory administration
Promoted investor engagement in the mining sector
Supported implementation of the Mining Act and sector regulations
Expanded institutional coordination on mineral governance
Encouraged geological assessments and exploration activities
3. Late Hon. Henry Adwar
Minister of Mining (2020)
The late Hon. Henry Adwar briefly served as Minister of Mining following the tenure of Hon. Gabriel Takuj Deng. His time in office was unfortunately cut short due to health complications, which later led to his resignation.
Despite his short tenure, Hon. Adwar was widely respected for his professionalism and commitment to public service.
Key Contributions
Continued transitional leadership within the Ministry
Maintained continuity of mining sector administration
Supported ongoing regulatory and operational activities
4. Hon. Martin Abucha Gama
Minister of Mining (2020–January 2026)
Hon. Martin Abucha Gama became the fourth Minister of Mining and remains the longest-serving minister since the Ministry’s establishment, serving for nearly five years.
His tenure represented one of the most active periods in the Ministry’s development, characterized by growing international engagement, regional cooperation, mining governance reforms, and efforts to improve institutional visibility.
Under his leadership, the Ministry increased participation in regional mining initiatives and strengthened cooperation with organizations such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Key Contributions
Served as the longest-serving Minister of Mining
Expanded regional and international mining cooperation
Promoted artisanal mining governance initiatives
Supported transparency and responsible mining discussions
Enhanced South Sudan’s participation in regional mining forums
Advanced institutional reforms and sector visibility
Strengthened collaboration with ICGLR and regional stakeholders
5. Hon. Losuba Ludoro Wongo
Minister of Mining (January 2026–Present)
Hon. Losuba Ludoro Wongo assumed office in January 2026 as the fifth Minister of Mining of the Republic of South Sudan.
Since taking office, Hon. Wongo has emphasized transparency, accountability, investment promotion, and modernization of the mining sector. His administration has focused heavily on attracting responsible international partnerships and strengthening mining governance frameworks.
Under his leadership, the Ministry has intensified engagement with foreign governments, investors, and development partners while advocating for value addition, sustainable mining, and stronger regulatory compliance.
Key Contributions
Promoted transparency and accountability in mining governance
Strengthened international cooperation and mining diplomacy
Advocated for domestic mineral value addition and refinery development
Supported modernization of mining cadastre systems
Promoted responsible and sustainable mining practices
Increased investor engagement and sector visibility
Advanced discussions on geological surveys and technical cooperation
Strengthened enforcement of mining laws and compliance
Evolution of South Sudan’s Mining Leadership
Since 2016, the Ministry of Mining has evolved from a newly established institution into a growing strategic sector ministry central to South Sudan’s economic diversification agenda.
The leadership of successive ministers has contributed to:
Establishing mining governance structures
Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks
Expanding international cooperation
Promoting investment opportunities
Enhancing transparency and accountability
Advancing sustainable mineral development
As South Sudan continues efforts to unlock its vast mineral potential, the Ministry of Mining remains positioned as a key institution in shaping the country’s future economic transformation beyond oil dependency.