Republic of Sudan Minister for Minerals H.E Mr Mohamed Basher told Africa Downunder delegates in Perth that cooperation between his country and Australia had continued to develop strategically in various fields, with a number of Australian companies currently invested in mining projects in Sudan.
Minister Basher said his country’s delegation was here attending the event in Perth to explore mutually beneficial opportunities and share ideas with participants from both public and private institutions.
“Sudan in rich in diverse mineral resources and enjoys huge mineral reserves. We are one of the richest countries in Africa. Some of these minerals have already been discovered and production is under way on a very large scale, in gold for example,” he said.
“You are welcome with full confidence to Sudan to invest in the Sudanese mining sector, where we have attractive laws and a large number of international companies now working.”
One company that has recognised that opportunity and is in the process of developing a gold project, in what is its third African mining jurisdiction, is Perseus Mining.
Perseus Managing Director and CEO Jeff Quartermaine followed the Sudanese Minister’s presentation, acknowledging the occasion of the first official delegation from the Sudanese Government attending Africa Downunder.
Perseus’ journey to Sudan has seen its build and operate the Edikan gold mine in Ghana, and the Sissingué and Yaouré gold mines in Côte d’Ivoire.
The company is on its way to achieve gold production of more than 500,000 ounces in total in 2022, and is now pursuing the Block 14 development project in Sudan.
“One thing that sets Perseus apart from its peers is that we do have a very strong social licence to operate in Africa based on some very sound ESG principles,” Mr Quartermaine said.
“In that respect, what we do is we listen very carefully to our hosts and we work collaboratively with both the governments and the communities to develop a genuine win-win situation. We have found this has stood us in good stead in the countries where we have operated.
“We are very well positioned to fund our future growth into countries such as Sudan and we can do that without having to rely on capital markets to achieve what we are seeking to do.”
In terms of an investor’s perspective on Sudan, Mr Quartermain said it was very clear that Sudan was a very highly prospective, under explored country – a very attractive mineral province.
He said Sudan was one of the largest gold producers in Africa and was transitioning to a form of democracy that he believed would be favourable for further direct investment in the minerals sector.
Africa Downunder Day One delegates
