By South Sudan Mining Journal JUBA, South Sudan — The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has taken another step toward expanding international partnerships in the mining sector following a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Mining and the Russian Federation aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in mineral development, technical expertise, and investment opportunities. On 19 May 2026, the Minister of Mining, Losuba Wongo, hosted the Ambassador of the Russian Federation
By South Sudan Mining Journal
JUBA, South Sudan — The Government of the Republic of South Sudan has taken another step toward expanding international partnerships in the mining sector following a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Mining and the Russian Federation aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in mineral development, technical expertise, and investment opportunities.
On 19 May 2026, the Minister of Mining, Losuba Wongo, hosted the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Sudan, Aleksandr Kosmodemiyanskiy, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Juba. The meeting was also attended by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Deng Makuok Duyak.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between South Sudan and Russia in the mining and mineral resources sector, an area increasingly viewed by the government as critical to diversifying the country’s economy beyond oil dependence.
Officials emphasized Russia’s longstanding global experience in geology, mineral exploration, and mineral processing, noting that cooperation with Russian institutions and companies could provide South Sudan with valuable technical knowledge and industrial expertise needed to accelerate development of the country’s untapped mineral resources.
Among the key priorities discussed was the attraction of Russian investment into South Sudan’s mining industry, particularly in the exploration and development of gold, copper, and critical minerals. The Ministry said the partnership could open new opportunities for foreign direct investment while boosting confidence in the country’s emerging mining sector.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of technical cooperation, including geological surveys, institutional capacity building, and professional training for South Sudanese mining experts and engineers. Such initiatives are expected to support the modernization of the sector and strengthen the government’s ability to regulate mining operations effectively.
Both sides further underscored the importance of responsible and sustainable mineral development. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable, and environmentally responsible mining practices that benefit local communities while contributing to national economic growth.
The engagement with Russia comes at a time when South Sudan is actively seeking strategic international partnerships to unlock its mineral potential. Government officials believe that increased cooperation with experienced global mining partners could help create employment opportunities, generate public revenue, and stimulate broader infrastructure and industrial development across the country.
The Ministry of Mining reiterated that South Sudan remains open to investors and committed to creating a stable and investor-friendly environment capable of supporting long-term growth in the mining industry.