By South Sudan Mining Journal Since the establishment of the Ministry of Mining, the Office of the Undersecretary has played a central role in shaping South Sudan’s mining governance framework, institutional administration, and sector reforms. Successive undersecretaries have contributed significantly to developing the country’s mining laws, cadastre systems, investment policies, and institutional modernization efforts. 1. Dr. Andu Ezbon Adde First Undersecretary of Mining Tenure: 20
By South Sudan Mining Journal
Since the establishment of the Ministry of Mining, the Office of the Undersecretary has played a central role in shaping South Sudan’s mining governance framework, institutional administration, and sector reforms. Successive undersecretaries have contributed significantly to developing the country’s mining laws, cadastre systems, investment policies, and institutional modernization efforts.
1. Dr. Andu Ezbon Adde
First Undersecretary of Mining
Tenure: 2013 – 2022
Dr. Andu Ezbon Adde was appointed as the first Undersecretary responsible for the mining sector in 2013, prior to the formal establishment of the Ministry of Mining in 2016. He is widely regarded as one of the founding architects of South Sudan’s mining governance system.
During his tenure, Dr. Andu oversaw the institutional establishment of the Ministry of Mining and played a leading role in developing the country’s legal, technical, and administrative mining framework.
One of his most significant achievements was overseeing the establishment of South Sudan’s Mining Cadastre System, which became the country’s central platform for mineral title administration and licensing management.
He also supervised the drafting of the Mining Act and Mineral Title Regulations, laying the legal foundation governing mineral exploration, licensing, and mining operations in South Sudan.
Key Contributions:
Served as the first Undersecretary overseeing the mining sector
Oversaw the establishment of the Ministry of Mining
Led development of the national Mining Cadastre System
Supervised drafting of the Mining Act and Mineral Title Regulations
Strengthened mining governance and institutional administration
Coordinated mineral licensing and regulatory systems
Supported institutional capacity building
Positioned mining as a strategic sector for economic diversification
Dr. Andu’s nearly decade-long tenure remains one of the most influential institutional periods in the Ministry’s history.
2. Dr. Cosmas Pitia Kujjo
Undersecretary of Mining
Tenure: 2022 – 2025
Dr. Cosmas Pitia Kujjo succeeded Dr. Andu Ezbon Adde during a period marked by growing international engagement, mining diplomacy, and continued institutional reforms.
His administration focused on sustaining sector reforms, strengthening regional and international cooperation, and promoting South Sudan’s mining investment opportunities globally.
Following his tenure as Undersecretary, Dr. Cosmas transitioned to serve as Technical Advisor within the Ministry of Mining.
Key Contributions:
Maintained continuity of mining sector reforms
Promoted South Sudan’s mining investment opportunities internationally
Strengthened regional and international mining cooperation
Supported institutional and technical reforms
Enhanced coordination within Ministry departments
Advanced mining governance and administration systems
Currently serves as Technical Advisor to the Ministry
3. Dr. Matiok Santino Akuei
Undersecretary of Mining
Tenure: 2025
Dr. Matiok Santino Akuei briefly served as the third Undersecretary of Mining during 2025.
Despite his short tenure, Dr. Matiok became widely associated with the rapid expansion of artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities across several parts of South Sudan. Many sector observers describe him as one of the principal architects behind the growth of small-scale gold mining operations during this period.
His administration coincided with increasing public attention on artisanal mining, informal gold trade, and growing participation of local communities and small operators in mineral production activities.
Key Contributions:
Oversaw coordination during rapid growth of small-scale gold mining
Promoted expansion of artisanal mining activities
Supported increased participation of local miners in the sector
Strengthened engagement on artisanal mining governance discussions
Encouraged institutional focus on small-scale gold mining operations
Contributed to increased sector visibility and awareness
Though brief, his tenure is often remembered for accelerating artisanal mining activities across the country.
4. Deng Makuok Duyak
Undersecretary of Mining
Tenure: 2025 – Present
Hon. Deng Makuok Duyak is the current Undersecretary of the Ministry of Mining and serves during a period of renewed modernization efforts, sector reforms, and expanded international cooperation.
His administration has focused on strengthening institutional governance, improving mining administration systems, modernizing cadastre operations, and enhancing investor confidence in South Sudan’s mining sector.
Key Priorities and Focus Areas:
Modernization of mining administration systems
Strengthening digital cadastre and licensing frameworks
Enhancing institutional coordination and efficiency
Supporting investor engagement and mining diplomacy
Promoting transparency and accountability
Strengthening enforcement of mining regulations
Supporting responsible and sustainable mining development
Advancing sector reforms and institutional modernization
Evolution of the Office of the Undersecretary
Since 2013, the Office of the Undersecretary has remained central to transforming South Sudan’s mining sector from an emerging institution into a strategic ministry supporting national economic diversification.
Successive undersecretaries have contributed to:
Establishing mining governance systems
Developing legal and regulatory frameworks
Creating and modernizing cadastre systems
Promoting mining investment opportunities
Supporting artisanal and industrial mining governance
Enhancing transparency and accountability
Strengthening institutional administration
Expanding international cooperation and technical partnerships
As South Sudan continues efforts to unlock its mineral potential, the Office of the Undersecretary remains one of the key pillars shaping the future of the country’s mining industry.